SKYCITY expresses sympathy for staff in Christchurch

SKYCITY expresses sympathy for staff in Christchurch

Christchurch Casino has announced 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.

SKYCITY General Manager Human Resources Grainne Troute has expressed her sympathy to the Christchurch Casino staff during this difficult time.

“SKYCITY feels deeply for the staff of Christchurch Casino, we understand how much stress and uncertainty they are going through after the two earthquakes, losing property and six weeks without certainty about their employment. This is extremely unfortunate, but given the circumstances, we understand that this is the best option available.”

Staff at Christchurch Casino have received full pay since the earthquake last month at a cost of $410,000 per week. Christchurch Casino Chief Executive Brett Anderson met with staff in Christchurch today and said that payment it is not viable.

“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.

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.

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,” 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.

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited is a 50% shareholder in Christchurch Casinos Limited (CCL) which owns and operates the Christchurch Casino.

No further comment will be made.

ENDS

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