Casino Rama’s union members have given their bargaining committee an overwhelming strike mandate.
Unifor Local 1090 hosted seven information sessions/votes at an Orillia hotel Saturday. In all, 820 members voted 95 per cent in favour of a strike if negotiations fail between the union and Gateway Casinos and Entertainment, the operator of Casino Rama.
“Nobody wants to strike,” stressed Corey Dalton, president of Unifor Local 1090, which represents more than 1,400 dealers, slot workers, cashiers, food/beverage staff and others.
“A strike is absolutely a last resort,” said Dalton, noting it would only happen “if the bargaining committee is unable to get a fair and equitable agreement for our members.”
Talks between Unifor and Gateway began before Christmas, but took a break during the holidays.
Dalton believes the mandate from the employees will add some pressure to negotiations, which are underway again.
“It shows the employer that it’s not just nine people on the bargaining committee telling them false statements … it’s a reflection of what our members are saying,” said Dalton.
They’re saying they’re not happy, he stressed.
“I think (the strike mandate) shows the employees at Casino Rama are unhappy (and) that they are sending a message that they … are willing to fight to get a better deal,” said Dalton.
The vote is a message that “the status quo is not acceptable,” said Dalton, noting Casino Rama employees enter bargaining at “the bottom of the barrel when it comes to wages, benefits, pensions and stuff like that and they can’t continue to operate on that heavy-laden discount.”
Natasha Borutski, a public relations specialist at Casino Rama, provided the following comment about the strike vote: "Casino Rama Resort respects the decision of our employees and the outcome of the vote. We are continuing to work with Unifor in the best interest of our CREW, and are hopeful for a mutually positive outcome by which employees can feel confident that a strike action is not required."
Dalton said Unifor also is hopeful a strike is not necessary.
“Unifor’s success rate for bargaining is 98 per cent without a work stoppage,” Dalton said. “I think there’s always a deal to be had … we just have to find one that works for our members and also works for the employer.”
The two sides have until 12:01 a.m. Jan. 24 to strike a deal.
