Members show solidarity on picket line outside of Casino Woodbine

Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) workers have been joined by supporters in picketing outside of Casino Woodbine after almost 1,000 employees were locked out by their employer as of May 8.

Members were hoping to negotiate a collective agreement that included guaranteed part-time hours, more full-time positions, better wages and sick leave among other concerns.

On April 28, Casino Woodbine filed with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development for a “No Board Report”, which legally allowed them to lock out their workers.

Casino Woodbine says they have been in negotiations with PSAC trying to reach an agreement with employees that offers them the benefits they are seeking.

“On April 27th, we reached an agreement with PSAC’s bargaining committee that included a 16% increase in wages over four years, market adjustments in wages for certain roles, a signing bonus of $1,000 for Full Time team members and $500 for Part Time team members, as well as significant enhancements in benefits,” read a statement from Casino Woodbine.

“Notably, the tentative agreement offered wage increases 30% higher than those agreed to by PSAC’s bargaining unit with the federal government at similar income levels to our members.”

After two days of voting on May 3 and 4 workers voted to reject the employer’s offer.

“Despite endorsement of the tentative agreement by the PSAC bargaining committee and the senior leadership of the PSAC, members voted against this offer. Subsequently, we have offered further advancements, which have not been taken to their membership,” continued the statement.

Casino Woodbine has also stated they have continued to operate slot machine play open 24/7, table games as well as live and simulcast racing at the racetrack.

They also have stated they remain committed to discussions with PSAC to get our members back to work as well as “delivering an excellent guest experience for however long the labour disruption may last.”

945 members of the PSAC are employed at Casino Woodbine, ranging from table dealers, cashiers and cleaning staff. Picket lines were set up as of 12 p.m. on May 8, with others not employed by Casino Woodbine joining the picket line to show solidarity.

Casino Woodbine filed for conciliation on March 22. After one day in conciliation, on April 5, Casino Woodbine made the request for a No Board Report and a tentative agreement was reached on April 27th.