Employees at Caesars Windsor have strongly signaled their readiness to strike if a new contract agreement is not reached. Members of Unifor Local 444, which represents approximately 1,500 workers at the casino, voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike action, with 98% support. The current collective agreement is set to expire at midnight on April 3, and unless a deal is reached, a strike could begin as early as next week.

James Stewart, president of Unifor Local 444, emphasized that securing improved wages is the primary goal in the ongoing negotiations. “Make no mistake, the monetary gains are probably a number one priority,” he stated according to CBC News, adding that employees have played a key role in the casino’s success and now seek recognition for their contributions.

The latest contract discussions officially began last week when both parties exchanged proposals. The last agreement was ratified under vastly different circumstances, as the pandemic had significantly impacted casino operations, leading to layoffs and capacity restrictions. Now, with the casino fully operational, workers are seeking wage increases to match the rising cost of living and inflation.

Caesars Windsor’s Future Operator Still Uncertain

While labor negotiations take center stage, another major development concerning Caesars Windsor remains unresolved. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is in the process of selecting a long-term operator for the casino. Caesars Windsor currently operates under an extended agreement, but its future role is not guaranteed.

“OLG is currently conducting a competitive procurement process to select a highly qualified service provider to handle day-to-day operations of the Windsor Casino,” an OLG spokesperson confirmed. The corporation previously extended Caesars’ contract through March 2026, with an announcement on the new operator expected this spring.

Stewart acknowledged that this uncertainty has been raised during discussions. “Caesars has raised it with us,” he said. “They don’t know if they’re going to be the vendor moving forward. They want to be there.” However, he assured workers that any new collective agreement reached will remain in place, even if a different operator takes over.

Strong History of Union Action

Workers at Caesars Windsor have a history of taking decisive action to secure better contracts. The most recent strike occurred in 2018, lasting 60 days after employees rejected two tentative agreements before accepting a third with 75% approval.

Stewart acknowledged that while no one wants to go on strike, the union is prepared to take action if necessary. “Caesars has had a lot of challenges over the years,” he said. “We’ve had some major strikes. These members have seen the picket line. I don’t think there’s anyone in the workplace that wants to be on strike. They want to keep working. They want to make a living.”

As the April 3 deadline approaches, the focus remains on reaching a fair agreement that meets the workers’ expectations while ensuring the continued success of Caesars Windsor, regardless of its future operator.