Loto-Québec has announced that its employees represented by the trade union Confédération des Syndicats Nationaux are ending their strike after reaching an agreement with the operator.
Back in June, 1,700 employees across Loto-Québec’s casinos of Montréal, Charlevoix, Mont-Tremblant and Lac-Leamy went on strike due to a lack of increase in pay following an uptick in business post-COVID.
Initially, when the employees went on strike, the union demanded wage increases equivalent to the increase in the cost of living, plus C$1 per hour.
CSN also stated that the Canadian operator was issuing more than C$650,000 in annual bonuses to its executives.
However, in a statement, Loto-Québec has now declared that the strike is over following an agreement between the two parties and that employees will be gradually returning to work over the next few weeks.
The operator’s customers have also been asked to check online to see if the gaming location they wish to visit is now open and what services they are able to offer.
The statement said: “Loto-Québec is pleased to announce that all its CSN–affiliated staff—who work at its four casinos and in the customer service team dedicated to online gaming—have accepted the recommendation brought forth by the Ministère du Travail conciliator.
“Loto-Québec is pleased to have reached a responsible agreement that ends the strike.
“Operations will gradually resume as these employees return to work in the coming weeks. Loto–Québec asks customers to visit the casino websites to find out when the gaming locations are open and what services are available.”
CSN stated that casino workers have secured a wage increase of 16 per cent over six years, in addition to a two per cent salary bonus and a lump sum of C$1,250.
“Throughout the conflict, workers from all units remained united. I can proudly say that the bonds of solidarity we have created are here for good,” noted Riccardo Scopelleti, spokesperson for Intercasinos and President of the Casino de Montréal Security Unit.
CSN President, Caroline Senneville, added: “On the ground, I saw all the solidarity that the workers developed among themselves, it was an honour for the CSN to support them. I congratulate them for having led an exemplary fight.”
