Gateway Casinos and Entertainment aims to stay as flexible as possible in the constantly changing situation across Canada. Its latest decision affects casino workers at Cascades Casino Chatham, one of its newest casino complexes. Workers will see the extension of their collective agreement which expired on November 11. Upcoming weeks are going to see more development.
The unprecedented situation has taken its toll on the gaming field and casino operators have to remain as flexible as possible, in order to face all changes coming their way and act in accordance with the health recommendations. Gateway Casinos and Entertainment oversees Cascades Casino Chatham and the individuals employed there. This month was an important one as it saw the expiration of their collective agreement.
Cascades Casino Chatham
November 11 was the expiration date and individuals working there were concerned about their future on the premises of the casino hotspot. Gateway Casinos recently announced that staff members will get the chance to continue their daily work at Cascades Casino Chatham over the next weeks. They should also keep in mind that next month, there will be bargaining meetings scheduled.
Unifor Local 444, the labor union protecting casino workers at this particular gaming location recently published a post on Facebook linked to the situation. It pointed out that the current collective agreement had to be extended until a new one is being negotiated between all parties involved. Moreover, December 7 is about to see the start of a conversation between the labor union and the casino operator seeking protection of the staff members.
It could be recalled that in mid-March, Cascades Casino Chatham was among the Gateway Casinos locations to shut down due to the unprecedented situation. The venue was closed for business for months until it received the provincial government’s permission to relaunch operation. Ever since October, the casinos in Ontario are allowed to operate with a 50-patron limit at all times.
December 7
Unifor Local 444 also clarified in its post that the negotiations will also affect Starlight Casino Point Edward, as the labor union also represents casino workers employed there. The ultimate goal for these conversations will be a new contract inked for the casino staff members, guaranteeing them continued employment and reliable income during these trying times. The current collective agreement covered the past three years of operation.
While the conversations are in progress, the casino venue will continue its daily operation with all mandatory health and safety protocols in place. The situation in Canada has been dynamically changing over the past few days, which called for the closure of more casinos overseen by Great Canadian Gaming Corporation. The rival casino operator announced last week it would not reopen Casino Woodbine for the time being.
Moreover, in a recent statement, the leader confirmed the closure of Elements Casino Mohawk and Elements Casino Flamboro. The venues in Hamilton and Milton will remain closed until further notice, as November 15 saw their shutdown. For the time being, Gateway Casinos has not unveiled any casino closing plans.