The strike has commenced during a period of relatively low player demand. On its first day, the casino gradually increased the number of operating tables from 19 at 7 am to 40 at 11 am and finally to 56 at 7 pm.
Earlier, it was reported that about 400 workers at Jeju Dream Tower Casino will participate in a five-day general strike demanding improved working conditions and treatment. As of now, Global Gaming Insider has not been able to independently verify the exact number of employees participating in the strike.
It coincides with China's National Day holiday from October 1 to 7, with the casino expecting an increase in foreign tourist visitation. Mitigation plans are underway to meet expected customer demand by operating all tables at full capacity.
Although several hundred employees are involved, representing a significant portion of the total workforce, the casino's ability to maintain normal operations has limited the strike's immediate impact on its business. The operator attributed the ability to maintain normal operations to its ongoing efforts to expand staffing and improve working conditions.
A Jeju Dream official stated: "Currently, a total of 848 employees are working in the casino table game division, including 669 casino dealers, 175 managers, and 4 training staff. Therefore, despite some employees participating in the strike, there were no disruptions to operations."
Union calls for changes to working conditions
While Jeju Dream touts its efforts to improve working conditions, this is precisely why employees went on strike. The union argues that working conditions and compensation have not kept pace with the casino’s growth.
During this year's collective bargaining negotiations, employees demanded improvements to the work system, performance-based management, wages, the promotion system, and treatment. However, employees and management reached no agreement.
According to the union representatives, casino dealers currently work on a system of 80 minutes of labor followed by 20 minutes of rest. Meanwhile, during meal times they sometimes work continuously for about 120 minutes, depending on the situation.
In addition to the demands listed above, the union is also asking for improvements to the work-to-rest ratio, realistic starting salaries for new employees and a reduction in promotion pay gaps between departments.
Dream Tower defends work-rest system and wage increases
In its defense, Dream Tower Casino said the "80-minute work, 20-minute break" system currently used in the table game sector is a global standard widely used in major overseas casinos such as Macau and Singapore.
Furthermore, it noted that it has implemented annual wage increases of 5% for five consecutive years from 2022 to 2026. According to the operator, this rate exceeds inflation. Dream Tower also added that employees promoted during this period received an additional 5–10% salary increase.
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