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Post by chriss on Apr 23, 2011 13:19:38 GMT -5
Because the recent tourism-related news and the overall economic situation in Monaco aren't bad enough yet, SBM (with the state, which means Albert, being the majority shareholder) let a disagreement over wages with the casino employees escalate to the point where they've gone on strike over the Easter weekend and shut down all parts of the casinos which require actual humans to run them. I bet the tourists who used the Easter holidays for a trip to Monaco and were planning on some casino time absolutely love this. "The parent company of the casinos, SBM, said in a public statement today about the strike that they are “stunned by such an unreasonable action”. The unions, for their part, refuse to make any statement on the grounds it would “destroy the image of SBM”.
SBM have offered a basic salary of €81,000 per year for a croupier and €144,000 per year for a floor manager, but they want to phase these changes in over 10 years. The unions apparently deem this unacceptable.
The strike could not have come at a worse time for the Principality, and the loss of revenue and tarnished image will be damaging. It comes at an already difficult time for the casino, which has seen revenues drop 35% over the past year.
The SBM are at pains to point out that the Everest poker tournament being held this weekend has not been affected. They also point out that the slot machines will also be open, though quite how they would go on strike is beyond us outside of some Terminator-style scenario." ( www.rivierareview.com/articles/monaco-casino-croupiers-strike/) AdminNote: Changed title to include more items to be discussed in the thread |
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Post by creativemind on Apr 23, 2011 13:50:22 GMT -5
thanks for the article chriss. curious if this is a just a weekend strike to make a statement or if they're in it for the long haul. i also wonder what segment of the work force is next? maybe the bigger question, does albert even care?  |
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Post by MyAdia on Apr 23, 2011 14:00:41 GMT -5
The strike could not have come at a worse time for the Principality, and the loss of revenue and tarnished image will be damaging. It comes at an already difficult time for the casino, which has seen revenues drop 35% over the past year.
Thanks for the article Chriss, I read yesterday that they were thinking of striking, but it seems that they have now done it. What's Albert's response - take his plastic blow up doll to Monaco's Exotic Garden. I wonder if the garden trip was pre-planned or done in response to the strike talk to get a different media image of Monaco during this busy holiday weekend. I guess photos of Albert and Charlene at the garden are to make people in Monaco forget that they have problems in the country.
I am going to change the title of this thread to include any Monaco affairs problems that Albert may face.
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Post by chriss on Apr 23, 2011 14:36:28 GMT -5
Thanks for the title change, much better this way.  Can't say I've seen news anywhere of Albert taking Charlene out. So much for the effectiveness of his attempt to counter it by providing feel-good news about himself and his beloved future princess. How many tourists are going to return home after the Easter weekend just to tell their friends "yes we went to the casinos in Monaco but they were practically shut down, all you could do was play at slot machines, no need to travel for that"? I doubt they'll care that Albert had another photo op. I'm surprised they let it come this far, actually. It should have been easy enough to solve this dispute without the workers needing to drag it out into the open, and if the SBM management can't get things done, then Albert should be interceding. This isn't just a labour dispute, this hurts Monaco's economy as a whole. By the way, is there information to be had somewhere about the shareholder structure of SBM? I did some digging on their website and their annual budgets make for fascinating (and shocking) reading, but I couldn't find anything on how much of a share is state-owned. |
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Post by mrplowfan on Apr 23, 2011 14:56:45 GMT -5
Much of the SMB is family owned, thus state owned. Most of Monaco's revenue comes from the SBM. Albert is an absolute monarch. He will get some underling (or the council) to order them back to work rather than risk his precious wedding being marred. No person's rights are more important than his own selfish needs.
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Post by chriss on Apr 23, 2011 15:09:20 GMT -5
Looks like the underlings got their instructions wrong!
(Or weren't given any in the first place, which seems more likely. It's not as if Albert can spare any time to actually run his country.)
The state owned majority of SBM I know about, but it would be interesting to know how big the slice is to have a guess at the revenue he gets out of it in terms of annual dividends. And whether there have been any changes in ownership and who the other shareholders are - if there are any and it's not just a construction of affiliate companies.
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Post by grimnir on Apr 24, 2011 1:09:08 GMT -5
From memory (so be careful  ) the state owns a majority. Seventy percent according to Wiki. The Family  owns around ten percent with no further specification as to who owns what, to my knowledge. Big mate Lacoste is on the board. Wiki learnt me nothing new, only a fitting acronym: SBM - Screaming Bloody Murder... ;D If anyone bothers to check, there was a lot of talk about this a few years back when the Qatari investment company wanted to take over the SBM. |
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Post by paca on Apr 24, 2011 10:52:36 GMT -5
with all due respect for workers, but if you do the math, then you get a monthly gross salary for a croupier of 6700 Euros, a floor manager almost double. With most of them living in France, they pay taxes but get loads of benefits from Monaco and in Menton or Nice, they benefit of lower rents then in Monaco (the Monegasques croupiers pay practically no rent, so they are even better of then their French collegues). These people follow a brief trainee program after finishing school and then get this basic salary, which increases with years and experience. It's a safe job too. I know people working in Monaco, who spent years at university and who have been working for many years, who get way less then a beginner croupier...It's complaining on a very high level. In Menton or Nice they'd be paid even less. And SBM is a better employer then those. That said SBM has no clue of how to be more attractive to tourists. They are not just the casinos, but also the hotels and many restaurants. The problem is that as much as they are trying (which is not that innovative), with Monaco having become less attractive in general, they only get those who still believe that it's the place to when you want to show off your wealth. What they end up with is some nouveau riche who show their lifestyle in reality TV, because Monaco alone is not getting them their fix anymore. The really wealthy are elsewhere. Those occupying their former residences are without any culture or art of living as I had the displeasure to witness 2 weeks ago. Monaco is full of wannabes who came here too late. To get the quality people back, they need to change more then renovating a hotel or getting better service. People coming to Monaco are not interesting personalities to attract gawkers. nowadays they are either criminals (tax evaders are the most common but lesser evil), has been stars or wannabe stars in hope of getting recognized by someone, people who became rich and seek social approval, which they can't get in their own country by their elite, so they hope to be allowed hanging around Albert and then can boast about it back home (and there of course only their hangers on will be impressed, not those they would love to impress, so once they realize it's not working, they move on, seeking social recognition elsewhere). And then of course there is the average hanger on, who has to go to the places, where those social climbers are going. In the 80s an 90s, the economic high, you had a lot of tourists coming, hoping to see a celebrity. But with so many so called celebrities around, people are no longer interested. so you have a lot less bus tourists, as those who granny wanted to see, are dead, and those who are not dead, granny doesn't know. Young people only come here as gold diggers...
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Post by hibou on Apr 24, 2011 12:56:15 GMT -5
Thanks paca for the info. No wonder Albert thinks Charlene will boost the economy. She's a wannabe and will be nouveau riche as soon as she marries Albert so she fits right in. Alas it will not be a revival of Monaco but the end. JMO
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Post by cm7007 on Apr 24, 2011 16:31:27 GMT -5
The really wealthy are elsewhere. Those occupying their former residences are without any culture or art of living as I had the displeasure to witness 2 weeks ago. Monaco is full of wannabes who came here too late. To get the quality people back, they need to change more then renovating a hotel or getting better service. People coming to Monaco are not interesting personalities to attract gawkers. nowadays they are either criminals (tax evaders are the most common but lesser evil), has been stars or wannabe stars in hope of getting recognized by someone, people who became rich and seek social approval, which they can't get in their own country by their elite, so they hope to be allowed hanging around Albert and then can boast about it back home (and there of course only their hangers on will be impressed, not those they would love to impress, so once they realize it's not working, they move on, seeking social recognition elsewhere). And then of course there is the average hanger on, who has to go to the places, where those social climbers are going. In the 80s an 90s, the economic high, you had a lot of tourists coming, hoping to see a celebrity. But with so many so called celebrities around, people are no longer interested. so you have a lot less bus tourists, as those who granny wanted to see, are dead, and those who are not dead, granny doesn't know. Young people only come here as gold diggers... Very well said, Paca. So glad you're posting here - you've been missed these past few months. It seems the only approach SMB knows how to take is to "renovate a facade" like they have with Charlene. The people in charge obviously just don't get it any more than Charlene and her family. Class and style are not how much money one "shows", what expensive designer clothes one wears. It's an intangible something that one either knows, and has, or doesn't. Clearly the people running the show over there don't have a clue - and they don't have any idea how to find a person who has it so they can follow that lead. Such a shame. AdminNote: Fixed quote |
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Post by countess on Apr 24, 2011 16:32:01 GMT -5
thank you for the insight paca, it's sounds like moronaco is doomed but trashlene will fit right in ROFL
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Post by pippi on Apr 25, 2011 3:31:33 GMT -5
with all due respect for workers, but if you do the math, then you get a monthly gross salary for a croupier of 6700 Euros, a floor manager almost double. With most of them living in France, they pay taxes but get loads of benefits from Monaco and in Menton or Nice, they benefit of lower rents then in Monaco (the Monegasques croupiers pay practically no rent, so they are even better of then their French collegues). These people follow a brief trainee program after finishing school and then get this basic salary, which increases with years and experience. It's a safe job too. I know people working in Monaco, who spent years at university and who have been working for many years, who get way less then a beginner croupier...It's complaining on a very high level. In Menton or Nice they'd be paid even less. And SBM is a better employer then those. That said SBM has no clue of how to be more attractive to tourists. They are not just the casinos, but also the hotels and many restaurants. The problem is that as much as they are trying (which is not that innovative), with Monaco having become less attractive in general, they only get those who still believe that it's the place to when you want to show off your wealth. What they end up with is some nouveau riche who show their lifestyle in reality TV, because Monaco alone is not getting them their fix anymore. The really wealthy are elsewhere. Those occupying their former residences are without any culture or art of living as I had the displeasure to witness 2 weeks ago. Monaco is full of wannabes who came here too late. To get the quality people back, they need to change more then renovating a hotel or getting better service. People coming to Monaco are not interesting personalities to attract gawkers. nowadays they are either criminals (tax evaders are the most common but lesser evil), has been stars or wannabe stars in hope of getting recognized by someone, people who became rich and seek social approval, which they can't get in their own country by their elite, so they hope to be allowed hanging around Albert and then can boast about it back home (and there of course only their hangers on will be impressed, not those they would love to impress, so once they realize it's not working, they move on, seeking social recognition elsewhere). And then of course there is the average hanger on, who has to go to the places, where those social climbers are going. In the 80s an 90s, the economic high, you had a lot of tourists coming, hoping to see a celebrity. But with so many so called celebrities around, people are no longer interested. so you have a lot less bus tourists, as those who granny wanted to see, are dead, and those who are not dead, granny doesn't know. Young people only come here as gold diggers... Paca I am glad you posted your insights here. The generation of Trashy will follow her sugary footsteps. Soon Charlenes word in Monaco be a Law  |
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fluke
New Member
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Post by fluke on Apr 26, 2011 15:56:03 GMT -5
Monaco was once long ago a haven for old money but has evolved into a sunny spot for some extremely 'shady people'. The problems at SBM have been festering for many years which has not relied on casinos for it's main source of revenue. Monaco is reliant on it's TVA revenues to survive and property investments. Contrary to popular myth SBM is in fact the employer of last resort for the Monagasque people as there is no un-employement benefit as such. No matter how thick, lazy or uninterested the citizen may be a job at SBM is guaranteed where promotions are attained by length of service, not by capability. The croupiers have a basic salary, as reported correctly by a previous writer, to be around 6000 Euros per month nad they want 50% more. This is not really the problem. The problem is that for this tax free amount a total of 20 hours per week is provided. Not the most competitive of rates which is not really important until revenues fall and then the money will have to come from elsewhere.
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Post by hibou on Apr 26, 2011 16:12:35 GMT -5
Monaco was once long ago a haven for old money but has evolved into a sunny spot for some extremely 'shady people'. The problems at SBM have been festering for many years which has not relied on casinos for it's main source of revenue. Monaco is reliant on it's TVA revenues to survive and property investments. Contrary to popular myth SBM is in fact the employer of last resort for the Monagasque people as there is no un-employement benefit as such. No matter how thick, lazy or uninterested the citizen may be a job at SBM is guaranteed where promotions are attained by length of service, not by capability. The croupiers have a basic salary, as reported correctly by a previous writer, to be around 6000 Euros per month nad they want 50% more. This is not really the problem. The problem is that for this tax free amount a total of 20 hours per week is provided. Not the most competitive of rates which is not really important until revenues fall and then the money will have to come from elsewhere. Welcome to the forum and thanks for the info. |
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Post by margarita on Apr 26, 2011 16:38:48 GMT -5
Thank you fluke and paca for the inside-views!!! Very interesting. Is there anything or anyone that/ who might cause that Albert changes his mind and calls this kiss of death for Monaco planned on July 1 simply off? What might cause that? (You can write me a pm if you like if you prefer to not post it here due to trolls lurking in ) BTW: this evening I talked to a political scientist about the crisis of democracy - and rather about Germany, I didn't mention Monaco. She [the scientist] reminded me that in a democratic system one can get rid of idiots - while in authoritarian systems you have them established for almost a livetime. "When you take a look at the advisors and staff of authoritarian leaders you find exceptionally many idiots. And they stay." Automatically I thought of Monaco but didn't say anything. It's just too sad  I can confirm this theory because I was born in GDR. Dump as a rock people where in high positions because they were on the party-line. While people of substance had no chance to get there. Thats how states go down. And I don't want this to happen to Monaco! It has too many prospects and I like it  |
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Post by MyAdia on May 6, 2011 7:40:37 GMT -5
Here's an article in Monaco's local paper how again this year they have a shortfall in their budget and they have to make cuts. I just love the title of the article, yet the reducing in lifestyle doesn't seem to apply to their Prince and his coat-hanger Princess-to-be. I posted in the Homes of the Princely Family thread photos of the new tennis court that Albert just had installed it seems at Roc Agel ( see post). Also, according to this December 2010 Cote magazine article, Albert had an entire new hangar built at Nice Airport for his jet. Albert and Charlene's expenses are covered by the state, yet they do not publish the amount (unlike they did with Rainier). Can you imagine just the amount Albert and Charlene spends on their pleasure trips. Budget: State will reduce its lifestyle
May 6, 2011
The Minister of State, Roger Michel, announced this morning during the press conference:the state budget will be submitted to savings for the months ahead. In anticipation of amending budget of the country, Michel Roger intends to curb the deficit of 94 million amounted to the state budget for 2011.
These "preventive" measures in a climate of "always international crisis" are desired to promote the recovery and the attractiveness of the country. And arbitration should be applied to current budgets in many areas.
"The good method is a general approach by revisiting each expense. The government urges that everyone make an effort and we will play on all spending " wish Michel Roger.
The services of the Administration should lead by example "by reducing our lifestyle,"said Minister of State.
In 2010, expenditures of state budget grew by 4% (33 million) and closed with a deficit of 78 million.
Details of the plan state budget for 2011, tomorrow in Monaco-Matin.
Read article in French here
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Post by margarita on May 6, 2011 7:49:32 GMT -5
To cut off CW with and her work-shy family members would be a good start. For not to say necessary ...
They payed millions for the Monaco Cashlene Wittstock image campain - result: huge deficit + nobody cares for her and this faux tale...
And this will continue as long as she stays in Monaco.
Please let her stay in S.A. with a payroll = more profitable!
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Post by Elektra on May 6, 2011 8:32:49 GMT -5
The next PR-campaign is about to come into existence. The wedding of the century thing did not bring the wanted results. They still have the chance of getting the babies of the century. Oh no, wait a minute. I forgot the important stage before. The campaign "Hottest woman with baby belly".
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Post by countess on May 6, 2011 9:25:57 GMT -5
The campaign "Hottest woman with baby belly". they can't use trashlene in that campaign, i'm still not convinced it's a woman  the news just gets better and better out of moronaco! (dancing icon) i'm sorry but i just can't stand the non dynamic duo! i want them to fail (at this point it looks like they're very good at it and going with their strong point  sure i'm sorry for the people of moronaco and of course this must be tearing caro up...but then again maybe not, he's such an idiot and i'm sure she's put up with a LOT from him over the years, she may be past the point of caring and enjoying the circus with the rest of us  . i mean WHO is more qualified to take over than her, when he's hauled to jail or taken out by one of his mafia friends. i'm betting she doesn't have much of her fortune tied up with FAtAl & Co. JMO she's a smart cookie and wouldn't want to be tied to corruption and the danger that comes with that, she lived that with stefano and it must have been terrifying. i'd still be worried FatAls enemies would try to use my family to threaten his dirty dealings. (i just hope if they go after him they get the right target  )
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Post by MyAdia on May 10, 2011 9:50:26 GMT -5
Well, another SBM business failed - this time Moods. Albert was there at the opening of the club on March 28, 2008 and the club was shut down April 30, 2011 - as the Monaco Matin article stated - on the "sly." There was discussions earlier about closing it, but people got signatures and petitioned that SBM keep it open because there is no jazz club in the area. But, since the club was not profitable, SBM shut it down. Darn it, why couldn't they wait until Jul 3rd, because as we know once Albert marries Charlene, the New Grace," Monaco will magically get a big image boost, a flock of tourists and experience an economical boom. Moods has closed on the sly
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Moods closed April 30, on the sly. It gives way to Winter Jimmy'z club, open from October to May To the chagrin of the signatories of two petitions
A digital tape ruled by the ruler of a sudden a microphone before the first notes of Bill Wyman (ex Rolling Stones) and Louis Bertignac (ex-Phone). It was March 28, 2008. A beautiful story that began under the spotlight. And ended, on the sly, April 30 ...
The signatures of McLaughlin and Ceccarelli
The club is dead. Rumor has swelled since March, to lead the launch of two petitions last month. Four hundred thousand signatures were collected. Among them was John McLaughlin and Andre Ceccarelli.
At the initiative of a petition, a music lover - who wants today to remain anonymous - explains his motives: " The Moods is a great room. It produced jazz, blues, rock, disco, without distinction. The petition was drafted to the continuous live in Monaco. It is true that some nights there were not many people. It was perhaps a bit pricey. "
And the Internet, via Facebook, is a relay of opinion without moderation ...
If the League of sea bathing (SBM), requested by us last month on the issue, provides no information on the financial aspect of the case, the regulars Moods are not stupid. "There is certainly a problem profitability " , says Alain Provenzano, Vice President of the Monaco Jazz Chorus. "With the association, we held almost half of our concerts at Moods , about five per year. "
Another music lover said: "It has been said that the clientele of the club does not match that of the SBM. Here on the Côte d'Azur, there is no jazz club. Apart from festivals, there is nothing. The Moods , was great. "
A Winter Jimmy'z
And now? Bernard Lambert is giving us, by written vote, his response: "The Monte-Carlo SBM has decided to change the Moods : in its place, the Winter Jimmy'z club opens in late fall 2011. The Casino will therefore propose an upcoming new face of the night in Monaco. "
The name Jimmy'z Winter Club is not final. But it is the only thing that does not appear for granted ...
Read article in French at Monaco Matin
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) the state owns a majority. Seventy percent according to Wiki. The Family 
owns around ten percent with no further specification as to who owns what, to my knowledge. Big mate Lacoste is on the board. 
sure i'm sorry for the people of moronaco and of course this must be tearing caro up...but then again maybe not, he's such an idiot and i'm sure she's put up with a LOT from him over the years, she may be past the point of caring and enjoying the circus with the rest of us 
. i mean WHO is more qualified to take over than her, when he's hauled to jail or taken out by one of his mafia friends.
)