Windsor Casino Reaches Labor Accord, Avoids Strike
As labor unrest troubles the casino industry across North America, Casino Windsor in Canada avoided what would have been its fourth strike by reaching an accord with the union. Canadian Auto Workers Local 444 came to an agreement Wednesday with casino management.
Revenue at the casino has been in steady decline, due both to economic conditions and increased competition, particularly from the Detroit casinos. Management had pinpointed controlling labor costs as a major part of reacting to the lower casino income.
Particularly, the casino wanted to increase the number of part-time employees in ratio to those working full-time. Bitterness between the negotiating parties from previous strikes left many the feeling that a strike was once again inevitable.
Yet both sides made concessions, and a deal was reached which establishes a closer working relationship between management and labor. The casino will continue to have a very high ratio of full- to part-time employees; in return the union agreed to freeze wages for two years. After the second year, a 30 cent per hour across the board wage increase is guaranteed.
The casino wanted a four-year deal, but conceded to accept three years, after which the effects of a $400 million refurbishing and hotel and convention center construction can be measured.
Casino representative George King said, "Our team is thrilled that we reached a tentative agreement." Local 444 president Ken Lewenza said of the concessions by his members,"Our members are intelligent. They see the declining business."
By each side giving a little, the casino continues to operate smoothly, and both sides may end up profitting considerably.
