Union ‘Confident’ Deal Will Get Done with Caesars Windsor
A representative for the union that represents more than 1,400 employees at Caesars Windsor casino is “optimistic” that an agreement can be reached by tonight’s 11:59 p.m. cutoff.
Strike Action If No Agreement by Tonight
If an agreement isn’t reached by then, workers at that location will strike.
The central issue revolves around the funds for the workers. Unifor Local 444 seeks a new contract lasting three years for its members.
“We’re still working at the table,” said Manny Cardoso, Secretary Treasurer of Local 444, when reached by Casino.org. “We still have some distance between where we want to be and where we are. There’s still a lot of time in the day and things can change fast. Things are progressing. We’re optimistic we’re going to get somewhere.
OLG Sorting Out Next Operator of Casino
"[Talks] have been good. It’s not contentious. Both sides are working for a deal. We have had negotiations in the past that have been contentious. This one doesn’t have that flavour to it. Both sides have their mandates but we are working hard.”
Last summer, it was revealed that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) was choosing to prolong its operating agreement with Caesars Entertainment Windsor, the current casino operator, for another seven months until March 2026.
In a statement, OLG noted that prolonging the operating agreement would allow them ample time to finalize the procurement process and shift the daily operations to the company that assumes control, whether it be Caesars or a different operator.
Caesars Aiming to Extend Agreement with OLG
Any agreement that the union approves with Caesars would be applicable to any subsequent operator if Caesars doesn't return.
“The workers feel they’ve fallen back [in terms of salary],” said Cardoso. “Wages haven’t kept up to where the gains have been made in other industries, and they are looking to make up some of that ground.”
The union represents employees throughout the casino, including room attendants, front desk staff, dealers, janitors, and slot technicians.
“This bargaining with [Windsor Casino] usually sets the bar [for other casinos across Canada],” he added. Local 444 also represents Gateway Casino workers in Chatham, Sarnia and London.
Union States Contract Negotiations Friendly
The OLG is unable to publicly discuss the process of selecting a new casino operator. Caesars, Bally's, and Mohegan are said to be candidates for the casino operator license. Since the casino began operations 30 years ago, Windsor has accumulated more than $95 million in payments. Municipalities that accommodate casinos obtain a portion of casino revenues determined by a specific formula, making Windsor one of the greatest revenue producers in Ontario.
“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,” said Tony Bitonti, spokesman from OLG, earlier today. “The integrity of the procurement process is of the utmost importance to OLG. OLG will continue to communicate about the procurement when there are material updates.”
Employees at Caesars Indiana Casino Approve Strike
In the meantime, the situation isn't improving for employees at a Caesars Indiana casino location. Over 140 workers at Caesars Southern Indiana Hotel & Casino, which is owned and managed by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, have approved a strike with a 98% vote.
The Teamsters union states that workers and casino management are still distant on economic matters such as retirement benefits.
"Our members are united and ready to fight for the strongest possible agreement,” said Avral Thompson, President of Local 89. “This vote sends a clear message – we will not back down. If management won’t negotiate in good faith, we’re prepared to take action.”
