Hundreds of workers at two casinos are officially on strike.
Today, Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, announced that Unifor Local 1090 members at Ajax Casino and Pickering Casino Resort began their strike action at 12:01 a. m. on July 31.
The casinos are situated in the Durham Region, which is a large area of municipalities located east of Toronto.
In a news release, the union stated that the strike followed failed negotiations with the employer, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, “failed to produce a fair contract for nearly 900 gaming workers.”
“Our members at Ajax Casino and Pickering Casino Resort have made it clear they are prepared to walk the picket line to get a fair deal,” Unifor National President Lana Payne said in a statement.
“These workers kept the resort running through difficult years, and all they are asking for is fair wages and job security.”
The union represents workers at both properties who hold various positions including coin workers, cashiers, slot technicians and attendants, table games technicians, dealers, along with gaming hosts and player service representatives.
The strike action also affects hospitality and food service staff like servers, cooks, dishwashers, bus persons, chefs as well as room attendants and housekeepers at the hotel in Pickering. Other involved workers include bus drivers, coat check attendants, and shipping and receiving personnel.
Earlier this week, Unifor mentioned that its bargaining committee was actively negotiating to secure an agreement that addresses wages and working conditions for hundreds of employees.
With no deal reached by the deadline, picket lines were set up at both casinos on Friday.
In a news release, the union noted that this strike action comes just over a week after Unifor Local 1090 security officers were locked out at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto (formerly known as Casino Woodbine) on July 23.
“That labour dispute remains unresolved and Unifor remains prepared to negotiate a fair deal for workers,” the union stated in an earlier news release.
On its website, Great Canadian Entertainment indicated that both casinos remain open as of July 30.
“Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, Pickering Casino Resort, Great Blue Heron Casino & Hotel, and Casino Ajax continue to operate 24 hours a day throughout the week,” reads a statement from their website.
“As we navigate this current labour disruption together with you all please rest assured that your safety remains our top priority. Security personnel continue to be present at all locations so you can visit confidently.”
The company also mentioned on their website that attendees will be updated about any changes concerning property access or services available during this time.
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