Casino Rama Resort has been the center of attention over the past few weeks, as unexpected job cuts were introduced and some 70 unionized employees were laid off. This Thursday was eyed as the first move in the right direction aiming to show that Unifor National and casino workers across the community would not go gently into that good night. A solidarity rally was held at Tudhope Park in Orillia and officials were eager to share their thoughts.
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment took control over Casino Rama’s daily operation last year and back then it promised that no job cuts would be needed for the successful operation on site. This came as good news, as the casino resort has been among the driving forces of the region, offering thousands of people steady employment over the past two decades. However, last month marked one year since the privatization of the casino resort, allowing its new management to make changes.
Casino Rama Saga Continues
Some 65 full-time and five part-time unionized employees had to leave the staff. Soon after that, it was time for some non-unionized workers to make their exit, but for the time being the casino operator refuses to disclose their exact number. Unifor Local 1090 protects the 70 laid-off individuals as well as more working at Casino Rama.
In order to prove a point and express its solidarity with the individuals that have lost their jobs, Unifor National launched the #NoJobsNoDice campaign that includes a rally taking it to the streets. Jerry Dias, National President of Unifor, was also present at the rally and took the time to address the issue and talk about the next actions that could be taken for employee protection.
Mr. Dias pointed out that this staff reduction has to come to an end and the union would do its best to prevent the casino operator from harming the local economy. The loss of steady jobs is projected to have devastating repercussions across the community.
Union Wants Better Conditions
Mr. Dias also revealed that back at the beginning of the modernization process, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation was aware that there would be staff cuts and about 1,000 individuals would lose their jobs. The crowd gathered at the rally was outraged and could not hide it. Estimations are that the overall number of individuals losing their jobs reached 150.
There has been a trend that saw their number drop from 2,000 to 1,200 before the latest cuts. The individuals still working at Casino Rama would now have to cover the missing individuals, which would eventually make their job there harder. Unifor National wants to see the laid-off individuals back at work, but at the end of the day, it is Gateway Casinos decision.
The staff reduction was introduced as spending optimization is needed at the moment. The casino operator prepares for major investment in London, North Bay, Kenora, Sudbury, and Wasaga Beach. Starlight Casino London would see the start of construction very soon, as well as Cascades Casino Wasaga Beach. The North Bay location’s building is already underway, while Cascades Casino Chatham saw its official opening ceremony on August 8.
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