Workers at Great Canadian Gaming Corporation casinos threaten strike

A potential union strike could be unfolding in Ontario as Unifor members at eight Great Canadian Gaming Corporation casinos have threatened action. 

The threat of a strike, which will begin on July 22 at midnight if a new agreement has not been negotiated, is down to workers prioritising wages, benefits and pensions for Unifor members working at table games, slot, security, cashiering, food and beverage, kitchen and culinary, guest services, housekeeping and maintenance.

Lana Payne, Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer, stated: “Casino employers have bounced back following the pandemic-related closures. Our goal at the bargaining table is to share some of those gains with the workers who make casinos successful.”

The union is also seeking to increase the share of stable jobs by converting part-time or “casual” positions into full-time roles.

“We value our customers and the relationships we’ve built with guests over the years,” added Corey Dalton, President of Unifor Local 1090. “Good wages and benefits translate directly into job satisfaction and that’s good for business.”

Presenting 315,000 works, Unifor advocates for all working people and their rights, and fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad. 

Unifor Local 1090 represents approximately 1,500 gaming workers at the Great Blue Heron Casino, Casino Woodbine, Pickering Casino Resort, Casino Ajax, Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands, and Shorelines Casino Peterborough.

Moreover, Unifor Local 252 speaks for 30 security workers at Elements Casino Mohawk. Unifor Local 504 represents 300 workers at Elements Casino Brantford with a strike mandate, plus 275 workers at Elements Casino Mohawk (slots) and Elements Casino Flamboro.