More than 1,800 casino workers across Ontario prepare to strike amid negotiations

Workers at eight casinos across Ontario could be on strike this weekend.

Unifor says more than 1,800 employees have voted to strike if new agreements cannot be negotiated by Friday, July 22 at midnight.

The union says the coordinated bargaining tables are prioritizing wages, benefits and pensions for those working at table games, slots, security, cashiering, food and beverage, kitchen and culinary, guest services, housekeeping and maintenance.

It says it is also looking to convert part-time or “casual” positions into full-time jobs.

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

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

It also represents 30 security workers at Elements Casino Mohawk and 300 workers at Elements Casino Brantford.

All the casinos are under ownership of Great Canadian Gaming Corporation (GCGP).