Casino Shangri-La may resume operation soon

KATHMANDU, Jan 10: Star Management, the operator of Casino Shangri-La, has said it is ready to review its decision and resume operations of the casino, if trade unions affiliated to different political parties end their rivalry and agree its 14-point conditions.



The Malaysia-based firm had shut down the casino about a couple of weeks ago, citing labor unrest. [break]



The company had faced problems mainly as workers affiliated to CPN-UML and UCPN (Maoist) fought with each other and suddenly went on strike in mid-Nov without notifying the management. It had forced Star Management to shut down the casino on Nov 18.



The company on Dec 29 had lodged an application at concerned authorities, including Ministry of Labor and Department of Labor, seeking permission for permanent shut down, after talks with workers failed.



As the decision threatened layoff, workers, meanwhile, have shown flexibility to comply with conditions and appealed to the management to review its decision.

Workers affiliated with the three major political parties have even formed a nine-member ad-hoc committee to hold talks with the management.



"Representatives of trade unions have informed us that they are positive about complying with the conditions set by the management," said Bodh Bikram Pandey, director of the casino. “The executive board of Star Management is ready to respond to them positively."



Pandey, however, said the management will announce reopening of the casino only after the trade union representatives formally agree the 14-point conditions

The 14-point conditions, among others, restrict trade unions from protesting the actions taken against the workers on charges of indiscipline.



"The executive board of Star Management is holding a meeting to decide over the issue on Tuesday," said Pandey.



Ram Krishna Shrestha, a member of the ad-hoc committee, said they were positive about helping the management to bring the casino back into operation.



“We are for reopening of the casino, as no demand can be fulfilled if it is shutdown,” he said, adding that they would hold further discussion on their demands once the casino resumes operation.



Star Management is running the casino under lease agreement with Hotel Shangri-La since Dec, 2010.

Related story

Hyatt Place Hotel and Casino Marina sign casino lease agreement