Christchurch Casino asks staff to consider employment option

Christchurch Casino asks staff to consider employment options

Christchurch Casino regrets to advise that due to the prolonged closure of its business following the February earthquake and an uncertain timeframe for re-opening, that its staff have been offered the option of redundancy or to retain their employment, use their accrued annual leave and then take leave without pay until further notice.

Christchurch Casino Chief Executive Brett Anderson delivered the news to staff today and said the situation is regrettable.

“This is the last thing we wanted to do. Our staff have been hit by two devastating earthquakes, loss of property and continued uncertainty around their employment. It is unfortunate we are in this position, but given the circumstances, this is the best option we have.”

Staff at Christchurch Casino have received full pay since the earthquake last month but Anderson said it is not viable to continue the $410,000 per week staff costs.

All staff have been guaranteed payment up to the April 5, 2011. Those staff who choose to take redundancy will receive their accrued leave plus entitlements in line with their employment agreements that equate to four weeks pay.

“This is extremely unfortunate, however the reality is we are a business. We hope, at least through this process our staff have the power to make a choice over their own future and not have one made for them,” said Mr Anderson.

Christchurch Casino is unable to predict what staffing requirements will be needed at the time of re-opening; however, there are no guarantees that all staff will be re-employed immediately. Staff have been asked to indicate their preferred position to Christchurch Casino by Monday April 5, 2011.

“We are committed to staying in Christchurch’s CBD and on our current site. We want to rebuild our business over a period of time as the city starts to recover from the effects of the earthquake.

“We are working with our shareholders and exploring ways to relocate some staff to other employment around the country and we are committed to helping them through this difficult time,” said Mr Anderson.

Christchurch Casino remains in Zone 4 of the Civil Defence cordon and has a yellow sticker. Engineering inspections of the building have not identified any substantive damage to the premises or to property within it; some repair work will be needed before the casino can re-open.

ENDS

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