Pickets carried placards saying "When the boss plays dirty, the rooms stay dirty!" and "Casino and hotel workers fighting for respect and dignity in our workplace." One of the sacked workers, Barbara Wilson, explained the bosses had announced they would close the hotel sometime after the Olympics. The housekeeping department has 10 permanent workers--that is workers with benefits--and 15 casual workers. All of the casual workers were given job applications to fill out from a contracting agency hired by Gazebo.

Like many of the casual workers, Wilson has been a housekeeper at the Gazebo for years. She said that they all decided to refuse to apply for the agency jobs. They turned in their applications with "No!" written in big red letters on the front, demanding a meeting with company representatives. The workers believed the company was trying to avoid paying any of the casuals redundancy (layoff) entitlements. Instead, they were fired. Wilson said about the protest, "They already sacked us, we have nothing to lose. I'm not afraid any more."

Elisabeth Vega who works in the housekeeping department of another hotel had come along to the picket line to show support. She said, "Everyone has human rights. Management can't just keep forcing us to do this, do that. We have the right to say our opinion too. We need leaders, like the workers here today. Maybe just a few began this fight, but everyone else is joining. Members need to be strong for ourselves. You have to defend yourself."

Joanne Kuniansky is a member of the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia.  
 
 
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