Winnipeg casino employees to strike two days before Christmas if contract agreement not reached

Members of Unifor Local 144, representing over 750 employees of three casinos in Winnipeg, have overwhelmingly voted in favor of a strike two days before Christmas if a new work contract is not settled by the end of this month.

Workers at McPhillips Station, Club Regent, and Shark Club Casinos, including dealers, cashiers, slot attendants, security personnel, house/grounds staff, customer service representatives, and skilled trades workers, are set to strike.

They have been without a collective agreement since June 2022. Over the past six years, wages for these employees have only increased by 1.75%, according to the union.

"Unifor members at Manitoba Lotteries deserve a strong collective agreement, not the foot-dragging and disrespect we're seeing from the company," said Lana Payne, Unifor National President, in a news release. "Management has left us little choice but to take job action. My message to this employer: step up and bring a serious offer."

The decision to strike was nearly unanimous, with 98% of votes in favor of halting work if a satisfactory agreement is not reached by December 23. Should the strike proceed, it is scheduled to begin at 12:01 a.m., just two days before Christmas.