Spain: Workers in the Basque private gaming sector united in defending their jobs

In this regard, approximately 2 thousand workers from the 210 gaming halls in Euskadi denounce that their work centers "have been closed since last November 7th" and still many of them have not received ERTES's money. In addition, they express that they are tired of being considered "responsible" for COVID infections and gaming disorders.

Likewise, Txarli Ayala, EJOLAKO spokesperson, claims that the Government “forces them not to work, at least, until next January 11” and has demanded “the immediate reopening of their work centers. No one has guaranteed us that we can return to work on that date and no one has been able to demonstrate that we do not comply with all the anti-COVID measures".

In addition, Ayala highlighted the dignity of the work of those who belong to the sector and explained: “We are not criminals, we work to offer a quality service to citizens who decide, in the exercise of their free will, to access one of the multiple meeting rooms of open games in the Basque Country to enjoy part of their leisure time. The workers of the Gaming Halls ensure compliance with current regulations, we prevent minors and those who are prohibited from accessing the premises and we comply with all anti-COVID measures”.

In relation to the biosecurity measures implemented in the gaming premises, Txarli Ayala has valued the great work of the gaming hall workers who “control access, take the temperature, force customers to wear a mask, disinfect the machines afterwards of each use and they ventilate the premises”.

The workers of the gaming halls of Euskadi also denounced "the comparative offense" that means the closure of these premises while the sellers of the State lottery and the ONCE continue to generate income

To conclude, Ayala stressed that during 2020 "no source of contagion has been detected in the Gaming Halls of Euskadi" and has regretted that the Basque Government "condemns them to the hunger lines".