UNION ACTION is planned against the director of an Algarve casino who, it is alleged, attempted to coerce workers into abandoning plans to strike last week.
The union, representing workers in the tourist industry, plans to present a complaint case to national regulatory body, Inspecção-Geral do Trabalho (IGT).
The series of strikes went ahead as planned but, prior to this, it is claimed that the director of Monte Gordo Casino approached the staff and pressured them into signing a document, which stated that the casino was not obliged to pay staff on days they were on strike and they would be considered unjustifiably absent from work, in an alleged attempt to scare them into not going on strike.
The trade union, Sindicato dos Trabalhadores Hoteleiros do Algarve, told all staff not to sign this document and workers went on strike in Monte Gordo Casino over pay issues.
It was later revealed that staff were not paid for the days they were on strike and were marked down as unjustifiably absent from work, which prompted the trade union to decide to lodge an official complaint about the casino boss’ alleged illegal actions.
Solverde is the company behind Monte Gordo casino, as well as Vilamoura and Praia da Rocha casinos.
Directors of the company have refused to comment on the situation and are awaiting a response from IGT.
Figures released by the trade union stated that a total of 70 per cent of staff in the three casinos went on strike over salaries and another strike was due to take place on Wednesday and yesterday (Thursday) involving staff from the games room, reception and bar in the casinos.
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