Montreal casino workers threaten to strike during busy Grand Prix season
More than 1,000 Casino de Montréal employees have issued a five-day strike mandate to be used "at the appropriate time" -- and the busy Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend could well be it.
In a Saturday press release, the CSN-affiliated union representing casino workers announced its members had voted 91 per cent in favour of a five-day strike, noting that the mandate was given "in the run-up to the Montreal Grand Prix."
The Formula 1 Gilles-Villeneuve race on Île Notre-Dame, where the casino is also located, is one of the most popular tourist events in Montreal during the summer season. This year it takes place from June 16 to 18.
The union could use this crucial weekend to speed up negotiations, which have been underway as of June 2022.
Wages are at the heart of the dispute. Employees are asking for increases that represent "the equivalent of the rise in the cost of living plus $1 per hour" to "protect employees' purchasing power and improve attraction and retention."
Loto-Québec, which runs the casino, quickly reacted to the announcement with its own press release, ensuring that business would continue as usual in the province's casinos despite pressure tactics.
The company argued it has already presented "two comprehensive and generous monetary offers" which were adequate to "address the major issues of attraction, retention and the economic context."
Employees at the Casino de Gatineau and Jeux en ligne have also issued similar five-day strike mandates, while workers at the Charlevoix and Mont-Tremblant casinos are expected to hold votes in the next few days.
Those affected by the current negotiations work in customer service, catering and security at the casinos. Croupiers (dealers) are not involved, as they are represented by another union.
The croupiers also held various pressure tactics last year before reaching an agreement with their employer in August.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on June 3, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.