WORKERS AT casinos across the Algarve went on strike last Wednesday (August 22) for the third time in a month in a dispute over pay and working hours.
Between 80 and 90 per cent of staff were said to have gone on strike in Vilamoura, Monte Gordo and Portimão casinos, all of which are owned by Solverde.
Part of the reason for the strike is a reaction to the abolition of slot machine users being brought their winnings on a tip tray by a member of staff. Under that system, when a person won on the machine, the money would not be dispensed. Instead, staff brought it to them and they were often rewarded with a tip for this service.
The tips would go towards subsidising their wages but now that this system has been made obsolete, customers do not feel as inclined to tip and staff are now demanding pay rises. Staff are also demanding that their 12-hour shifts are too long and want them to be reduced.
Union leaders have said that if the disputes are not completely resolved, they will strike again and continue to do so until the staff are satisfied with their working terms and conditions.
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