Unionized workers at Caesars Windsor, Ontario, have officially ratified a new collective agreement that promises significant improvements for nearly 1,500 employees. The three-year deal, which was approved by a substantial 83.3% of union members, was hailed as the most lucrative contract in the casino’s history. Unifor Local 444, which represents the workers, reached the deal just hours before a potential strike was set to take place. The contract is set to run until April 2028.

New deal brings record benefits to workers:

The negotiations, which had been tense at times, culminated in a breakthrough agreement that saw a wage increase for all workers. Starting with an immediate $2 per hour raise in the first year, workers will receive an additional $1 raise in each of the next two years. This translates into an extra $4 per hour over the course of the agreement. James Stewart, president of Unifor Local 444, described the deal as a major win for workers. “All in all, it’s more money than they’ve received in a collective agreement than they ever have since the inception of Caesars,” Stewart remarked.

Stewart also highlighted the financial benefits workers can expect. For full-time employees, the contract will add an estimated $18,000 over the next three years, while part-time workers will see a minimum of $11,000. This is in addition to the positive impact on employees’ pensions, which will see an increase thanks to the wage bump. “When you do the math just on straight-time hours, that puts $18,000 in our members’ pockets over the life of the agreement,” Stewart added, as reported by CBC News. The raise will also benefit employees’ defined contribution pension plans, providing long-term financial stability for workers.

The deal also includes a new retirement package option, allowing workers to pocket $500 per month starting at age 65 over a three-year period. This adds to an existing benefit, which offers $300 monthly payments for workers who reach 60 after at least 10 years of service. The inclusion of these retirement benefits is seen as a significant improvement, offering workers more flexibility and financial security in their retirement years.

Smooth negotiations despite tensions:

The deal came after weeks of intense bargaining, which had raised concerns of a potential work stoppage. At the height of negotiations, nearly 98% of Unifor Local 444 members voted in favor of strike action if the demands were not met. However, a tentative deal was reached just before the midnight deadline on April 2, preventing a walkout. The successful resolution came as a relief to both the union and the casino management.

“We’re pleased to announce the new collective agreement and are happy to see things moving forward as business as usual,” said a spokesperson for Caesars Windsor following the ratification vote. The casino operator expressed appreciation for the efforts of the bargaining team and emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between fair compensation for workers and the sustainability of the business.

The new contract ensures that workers at Caesars Windsor will continue to be fairly compensated while contributing to the long-term success of the casino. Caesars Windsor, which boasts an array of entertainment and a highly rated loyalty program, plans to keep its focus on providing memorable experiences for its guests. The casino has an exciting lineup of events planned for 2025, which includes performances in The Colosseum, one of the region’s most prominent entertainment venues.

Stewart expressed pride in the outcome of the negotiations, emphasizing that the strong support for the contract was a testament to the hard work and commitment of the bargaining team. “When it comes to the amount of money going into our members’ pockets over a three-year period, this is more than they’ve seen since the introduction of the casino,” Stewart concluded.