We were forced out of jobs, Bristol casino staff claim
STAFF at a city casino feel they have been forced out of their jobs.
The Gala Casino in Redcliffe Way closed its doors for the last time yesterday after 30 years in operation.
The company said that "where possible" it was offering the 30 staff jobs elsewhere, including positions at its Harbourside site in Canons Marsh.
But some workers say the only new jobs they were offered would have seen them demoted and forced to take a £5,000 pay cut.
One worker said more than 20 of his colleagues had effectively been forced to quit after rejecting the lower wages on offer at the company's Harbourside branch, a multi-million pound venue which opened last June.
The top-level gaming staff were told, it was claimed, that if they accepted the deal to move they would be demoted two levels below their current status within the company and have to take a pay cut.
One worker, who asked not to be named, said: "Everybody was offered a package to go there from valet staff, to cash desk staff and gaming staff – only five took the job.
"Even though they said tips were involved in the package, those perks could be taken away at any time. I really want to highlight the injustice that we all feel: the letdown, the anger and the bitterness from having worked here for so long. Some of us have worked here for decades. They've essentially forced us out. Nobody is going to take a pay cut after working so hard."
Another staff member said: "I feel so bitter about it. We're all upset and demoralised. They've utterly betrayed us.
"There is great sadness and resentment among the staff, who all feel let down. We have all worked hard for the last few years whenever we have been told to, and everyone is disappointed and upset by it.
"Many of the staff have been there for years, and are experienced, provide excellent customer service and are dedicated and professional."
But some ex-employees said despite the fact they would have to find another job, they harboured no ill feelings towards the company. One said: "I can understand how some of them feel betrayed and angry, but I still love Gala. I've been in this industry for years, and these things do happen. It just means it's time to move on."
The Redcliffe casino had been run by Stakis and Ladbrookes before Gala Casinos took it over about six years ago. Staff were informed in July this year that they were going into a "proactive consultation" as to how to keep the casino open.
Gala Casino spokeswoman Sarah Mercer said: "We can confirm that we have closed our casino in Redcliffe Way. The casino has suffered since the smoking ban, the removal of Section 21 (large gaming) machines and the increased taxation placed on the industry.
"Where possible we will be redeploying our 30 staff elsewhere within the group or to our Bristol Harbourside casino."
4 Comments
by Tom, Canada
Saturday, September 27 2008, 9:45PM
“I worked at the Ladbroke Draganara Casino, as it then was, when it first opened in July, 1979, as part of the Ladbroke Hotel, as was, and worked there, on and off, as Pit Boss or Manager, until 1990 when I left England.
The casino operated from what were formerly the hotel squash courts. Indeed the casino manager took delight in informing the hotel manager, that the casino made more money than the hotel. In the early 1980s, the money just poured in. How times have changed.
To answer your query:
The Gaming Board for Great Britain granted licenses for casinos on a per capita basis: in the case of Bristol, it was four. Ladbrokes, the company, bought the Craywood casino license, from Mecca, the company.
Although the transfer of license was immediate, it was some 18 months, or so, between the Craywood Club closing doors, and the Ladbroke casino setting up.
The two clubs never occupied the same premises.
It¿s a while since I lived in Bristol, but I think the Craywood used to be on Park Street, where the restaurant the Why Not is, or was.
The Gaming Board for Great Britain should be able to provide you with an address, and even a manager/owner¿s name of the date you are looking for. Be patient, it may take a while for someone to get back to you with an answer.
I worked with people who worked at the Craywood, but they only went back as far as the early 1970s.
Good luck with your search.
Tom Mitchell.”
by Tom Mitchell, Canada
Saturday, September 27 2008, 9:40PM
“Gordon,
I worked at the Ladbroke Draganara Casino, as it then was, when it first opened in July, 1979, as part of the Ladbroke Hotel, as was, and worked there, on and off, as Pit Boss or Manager, until 1990 when I left England.
The casino operated from what were formerly the hotel squash courts. Indeed the casino manager took delight in informing the hotel manager, that the casino made more money than the hotel. In the early 1980s, the money just poured in. How times have changed.
To answer your query:
The Gaming Board for Great Britain granted licenses for casinos on a per capita basis: in the case of Bristol, it was four. Ladbrokes, the company, bought the Craywood casino license, from Mecca, the company.
Although the transfer of license was immediate, it was some 18 months, or so, between the Craywood Club closing doors, and the Ladbroke casino setting up.
The two clubs never occupied the same premises.
It¿s a while since I lived in Bristol, but I think the Craywood used to be on Park Street, where the restaurant the Why Not is, or was.
The Gaming Board for Great Britain should be able to provide you with an address, and even a manager/owner¿s name of the date you are looking for. Be patient, it may take a while for someone to get back to you with an answer.
I worked with people who worked at the Craywood, but they only went back as far as the early 1970s.
Good luck with your search.
Tom Mitchell.”
by Katie, Bristol
Sunday, September 07 2008, 11:27AM
“Gordon,
Have you tried the National Newspaper Archive at Colindale, North London?
Have you tried the Evening Post?”
by Gordon Barrett, Bristol
Sunday, September 07 2008, 12:59AM
“I am sorry to hear of the casino closing its doors and sympathise with the employees predicament.
As it happens the history of this casino has been brought to my attention recently as i have been searching for a newspaper published photo featuring my father. On Novemeber 23rd 1967, the Craywood club as it was known then recieved a celebrity visit in the form of recently crowned Miss World. A peruvian lady by the name of Madeline Hartog-Bell.
I was intending to visit the casino management to ask whether they have any picture paraphenalia of this event still existing in the hope i could track down the photo of her and my father that featured in a local newspaper cover. I have not been able to source it from Bristol library archives. The casino was going to be my last effort to track it down. I would appreciate any staff that should read this and pass on any info that may help by emailing me mrgo@hotmail.co.uk. I understand you have more pressing matters on your mind at present and apologise for the untimely-ness of this request.
Yours sincerely
G. Barrett”