Great Canadian Entertainment has ratified its collective agreement with members of Unifor Local 1090 to provide wage increases, additional days off and shift changing freedom, concluding strikes at both Casino Ajax and Pickering Casino.
Over 900 staff members from both properties voted to an 87.4% majority to conclude their strike following the new agreement, which carries a four-year term for Great Canadian and Unifor Local 1090.
"Unifor, and Local 1090, will always push for fairness and respect for casino and hospitality workers. Thanks to all members for their dedication to that goal throughout these negotiations," Unifor Local 1090 President Greg Weaver said.
The new collective agreement also includes protections for part-time worker benefits, ensuring those who took part in the strike would not become ineligible for health, dental and life insurance.
Wage increases will total 14% over the duration of the collective agreement, while all active full-time and part-time employees will receive a lump sum payment of $300 and $150, respectively.
Unifor National President Lana Payne also spoke on the strike’s conclusion, having said, "Congratulations to the members and the bargaining committee for today's strong vote and for fighting for casino workers.”
Members of Unifor Local 1090 at Casino Ajax and Pickering Casino Resort, including coin workers, cashiers and dealers, officially began their strike on 31 July once employees were unable to reach a new collective agreement with Great Canadian.
Following the ratification, staff members who were involved with the strike are set to return to work on 9 November.
On 6 November, however, Unifor Local 444 members at two casinos in southwestern Ontario voted strongly in favour of strike action ahead of their respective collective agreements expiring on 11 November.
Members at Cascades Casino Chatham voted 91.5% in favour of strike authorisation, while those at Starlight Casino Point Edward returned a 93.8% majority.
In addition to the strikes at Cascades Casino Chatham and Starlight Casino Point Edward, Unifor Local 1090 continues to push for a new contract for security officers at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, where department staff have been locked out by the operator since July.
Great Canadian Entertainment sold its River Rock Casino Resort property in June to PDG, which acts as a wholly owned corporation of Snuneymuxw First Nation and Musqueam Capital
