Nearly 900 Casino Workers Strike at Ajax and Pickering Properties

Approximately 900 workers at the Ajax Casino and Pickering Casino Resort have initiated a strike following the collapse of contract negotiations. Members of Unifor Local 1090 began their strike action just after midnight on Friday, as talks with their employer, Great Canadian Entertainment, failed to yield a new collective agreement. The union, Canada's largest private sector union, represents a diverse group of employees across both properties, including gaming floor staff, cashiers, food and beverage workers, housekeeping, and bus drivers.

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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.

Lana Payne, Unifor national president, stated that the union members are prepared to picket to secure a fair deal. She emphasized that these workers were instrumental in keeping the resorts operational through challenging times and are now seeking fair wages and job security. In response, Great Canadian Entertainment confirmed that negotiations had been ongoing for months. Executive Vice-President Chuck Keeling expressed regret that an agreement could not be reached despite their best efforts, but affirmed the company's commitment to continuing constructive discussions with Unifor to facilitate a swift return to work for their employees.

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These workers kept the resort running through difficult years, and all they are asking for is fair wages and job security.

The company assured the public that both the Pickering Casino Resort and Ajax Casino will continue to operate during the labor disruption. However, they cautioned that some amenities might experience disruptions. The strike highlights ongoing tensions between labor unions and employers regarding fair compensation and working conditions, particularly in the hospitality and gaming sector.

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Regrettably, despite our best efforts, we have not been successful in reaching an agreement. We are committed to continuing constructive discussions with Unifor to get our team members back to work as soon as possible.