Fri, 29 Oct 2004

Worker disciplined for wearing badge Union to challenge Sky City casino

A Service & Food Workers' Union (SFWU) member, working on the gaming floor at Sky City Auckland, faced disciplinary action this week after refusing to remove a badge celebrating Labour Day. The worker received a written warning in yesterday’s disciplinary meeting, a decision that his union, the Service & Food Workers’ Union (SFWU) says they will challenge.

Over 400 other SFWU members at Sky City wore badges on the same day, however the company management has singled out one worker for disciplinary action.

“We believe that union members have the right to wear union badges, particularly on Labour Day. We consider Sky City's actions discriminate against this worker and we will be challenging Sky’s decision.” said SFWU National Secretary Darien Fenton

SFWU members at Sky City as well as National Distribution Union (NDU) members at Progressive Supermarkets wore the small button badges to celebrate the Labour Day with slogans such as “I’m Union” and “Proud 2 B Union.”

Sky City has maintained that wearing union badges breaches their dress and uniform policy. However, union members regularly wear other badges and ribbons to work which they are not asked to remove including ANZAC poppies, breast cancer ribbons and cancer awareness daffodils.

“Sky City’s reaction is over the top and steps on our members’ freedom to associate,” says Ms Fenton. “Simply put, Sky City is using a sledgehammer to break a walnut.”

ENDS

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