The deadline for a deal between the union representing workers at Caesars Windsor and the company is fast approaching.
Workers at Caesars, represented by Unifor Local 444, gave their union a “pretty strong” strike mandate, the union’s secretary-treasurer told CBC Wednesday afternoon. The contract expires at 11:59 p.m.
“If a resolution isn’t reached by midnight, then the workers gave us a pretty strong strike mandate which tells us that they are willing to withhold their labour if we can’t come to an agreement,” said Manny Cardoso.
“Every three years bargaining is an opportunity to make improvements and that’s what they’re looking for. Mainly improvements in wages was the number one issue that had come from our members.”
Unifor Local 444 represents 1,440 members at the casino, and also represents workers at the Windsor Assembly Plant, among other workplaces.
Manny Cardoso, the secretary-treasurer at Unifor 444, says workers are prepared to strike if a deal is not reached. (Unifor 444)
In a video update posted to social media at 4 p.m., the bargaining committee said many issues had been resolved but some difficult issues remain.
The committee said they intend to bargain until the deadline of 11:59 p.m. and will not close the casino in advance of that deadline. If a deadline is not reached by that time, the union says the shutdown process will begin — but representatives said they still believe a deal can be reached.
Cardoso says wage increases are the top priority in this round of bargaining.
Negotiations were “continuing to progress” at the bargaining table, Cardoso said. A strike hurts both sides and the goal is a resolution, he added.
“Conversations have not stopped, which is a good sign and leaves us optimistic that we can get there,” he said.
“There are still some differences at the table and we’re a little bit apart on where we want to end up, but we’re hopeful that we can throughout the evening, get closer to that and finally come to an agreement that our members will be proud of.”
Cardoso also noted improvements in benefits and working conditions as priorities for their members.
A spokesperson for Caesars declined to comment on the negotiations.
“We respect the bargaining process and the union leadership’s strong mandate to reach a deal on behalf of the membership,” a statement read. “In the spirit of fair negotiations, we will not be commenting further at this time.”
Nearly 2,000 casino workers went on strike for 60 days in 2018.
But a deal for members isn’t the only negotiation underway.
OLG says procurement for casino operator still underway
Caesars Windsor is operating the casino under an agreement that is set to expire in March 2026. When the agreement was last extended, OLG said an announcement on a new operator was expected this spring.
Caesars Windsor deferred comment on the issue to the OLG, but Cardoso said the issue is not a major factor in bargaining.
The union has previously said any agreement reached with Caesars would carry over to a new operator.
0
20
20
