Members of the union Unifor Local 144, who work in Winnipeg’s three casinos, have voted in favor of a strike if a new deal over the terms of a contract cannot be agreed ahead of Christmas.
The support for the strike was unanimous, with 98% of members across McPhillips Station Casino, Club Regent Casino and the Shark Club Casino supporting the case for a strike towards the end of this month, if a deal is not struck by 12:01am on December 23.
The union, which is said to be “Canada’s largest union in the private sector” according to its website, represents more than 750 members at Winnipeg’s three casinos, which includes dealers, cashiers, slot attendants, security, house/grounds, customer service representative and Skilled Trades workers.
Unifor Local 144 has been without a collective agreement since June 2022, with wages of its members at the casinos increasing 1.75% in six years.
Unifor Western Regional Director, Gavin McGarrigle, said: “We don’t have endless patience. A serious offer from the employer is required to get bargaining back on track.
“Unifor members make Manitoba Lotteries wildly profitable. They’ve earned a fair contract.”
Unifor National President, Lana Payne, added: "Unifor members at Manitoba Lotteries deserve a strong collective agreement, not the foot dragging and disrespect we're seeing from the company.
"Management has left us little choice but to take job action. My message to this employer: step up and bring a serious offer."
In related news, the Detroit casino strike, which lasted for nearly 50 days, has finally come to an end, after new contracts were agreed for employees at MGM Grand Detroit.
