Members of Unifor Local 144, representing over 750 employees of three casinos in Winnipeg, have overwhelmingly voted in favor of a strike two days before Christmas if a new work contract is not settled by the end of this month.
Workers at McPhillips Station, Club Regent, and Shark Club Casinos, including dealers, cashiers, slot attendants, security personnel, house/grounds staff, customer service representatives, and skilled trades workers, are set to strike.
They have been without a collective agreement since June 2022. Over the past six years, wages for these employees have only increased by 1.75%, according to the union.
“Unifor members at Manitoba Lotteries deserve a strong collective agreement, not the foot-dragging and disrespect we’re seeing from the company,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President, in a news release. “Management has left us little choice but to take job action. My message to this employer: step up and bring a serious offer.”
The decision to strike was nearly unanimous, with 98% of votes in favor of halting work if a satisfactory agreement is not reached by December 23. Should the strike proceed, it is scheduled to begin at 12:01 a.m., just two days before Christmas.