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Casino du Lac-Leamy Guards Demand Fair Working Conditions Eyeing Strike

Casino du Lac-Leamy has been a leading gaming location for the past 23 years and over this time it has captivated individuals in Gatineau and the region. Trying times lay ahead of it, however, as the security guards and surveillance technicians employed at the casino floor demand renewal of their collective agreement. It directly affects the regular payment of as many as 90 staff members.

When it comes to guaranteeing employees fair working conditions and everything they need, even leading casino operators could experience issues. This is the main reason why many gaming facility workers prefer to become part of a union that is always on the pursuit of better working conditions and protecting their rights before their employer. The security staff employees at Casino du Lac-Leamy had their collective agreement expiring on April 1, 2018.

Security Guards Demand More from Loto-Quebec

Conversation has been in progress ever since then, as they seek fair conditions and attitude. Recently talks about a walkout and taking matters to the streets were put on the table, as security guards are willing to use pressure in order to get what they deserve. What concerns them the most is the amount of money they are going to receive on a regular basis.

Back in 2014, Canadian Union of Public Employees, the labor union protecting their rights had a conversation with Loto-Quebec overseeing operation on site and both sides concluded that employees had to have their remuneration reassessed. Following a thorough evaluation, it was concluded that security workers on site do not receive adequate payment for the amount of work they do on a day-to-day basis.

Underpayment is not something the management confirmed as an existing issue. Many things have changed in the past several years on site of the casino venue, which is seeking to remain as competitive as possible in the ever-changing gaming landscape. In an attempt at attracting more customers, the casino complex management has introduced a new nightclub, which is a precedent on its own in the Quebec region.

Pressure Actions Commence Soon

As a result of the nightclub operation, the security staff has to take care of various situations that could occur on site and in the wee hours of the night. This entertainment offering increases the risk for many casino patrons and customers of Casino du Lac-Leamy. Previous evaluations have shown that individuals frequenting the venue are exposed to riskier situations than other casino locations overseen by Loto-Quebec.

Upcoming weeks are projected to see more pressure applied by the staff members directly affected by this situation. According to Michel Despatie, President of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, casino patrons might feel the impact of these actions. Casino du Lac-Leamy has its future in limbo at the moment, as projections are that it could lose more than CA$62 million annually once Hard Rock Casino Ottawa launches operation in 2021.

The new complex would cost some CA$320 million to Hard Rock Entertainment and its three-phase construction could take up to six years. The first phase including the expansion of existing Rideau Carleton Raceway Casino. In an attempt to remain appealing, some CA$50 million have already been invested in the casino venue in Gatineau, including the nightclub constriction.

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Author:

Yolina has followed closely the latest development on the Canadian gaming scene over the past years, monitoring the land-based, lottery, and online offerings up for grabs. The dynamic nature of the local lottery and casino fields, as well as the opportunities lying ahead of Canada fire her enthusiasm for what is to come. A sports betting enthusiast, in her spare time Yolina could be found in her natural habitat – turning the pages of biographies and catching up on the latest stand-up comedy podcasts.