Manitoba Believes Casino Staff and MLL Will Find Agreement

Manitoba’s new NDP government is optimistic that the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries and casino workers who are in favour of going on strike can find an agreement. Over the weekend, 98% of around 750 workers at the Winnipeg casinos voted to go on strike, if their demands for a fair contract are not met by employer, MLL.

Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries is a state-run agency responsible for providing legalized gambling and distributing liquor and cannabis to retailers in the province of Manitoba. Its gaming operations include operating gaming properties such as Club Regent Casino, McPhillips Station Casino, and Shark Club Casino. It also offers regulated online gambling via PlayNow.com.

Optimistic on New Contract

Unionized employees who are ready to go form picket lines include casino dealers, slot attendants, security personnel and ground employees. They have been left out with no contract since June 2022. Meanwhile, their labour union claimed that if an agreement is not found with MLL, then workers will go out on strike on December 23, 2023.

Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Glen Simard, who is the minister responsible for the gambling regulator, shared his optimism that the Crown agency and the union will be able to strike a fair deal for the employees. He added that in the summer the previous government treated workers with divisive tactics when all staff wanted was a fair deal.

The minister commented that now is a new chapter in Manitoba and the new government is listening to the concerns of public-sector workers. He is now looking forward to a solution that at the same time demonstrates the government’s respect for employees and commitment to responsible management of the public purse. Meanwhile, MLL declined to comment on the situation.

More on MLL’s Activities

In the summer, the Crown corporation announced the appointment of a new President and Chief Executive Officer and the position was assumed by Gerry Sul. He already served as Interim President and CEO and impressed the Board of the company. Mr. Sul first joined MLL in 2007 as Chief Information Officer and has served in several executive roles since then.

Previously, MLL also issued its financial report for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. Via the sale of liquor, gaming, and cannabis for the financial year that ended on March 31, 2022, the Crown corporation managed to contribute CA$1.41 billion. This was a hefty increase from to the results from the 2020-2021 year, which was impacted by the unprecedented situation.

For the 2021-2022 financial year, gambling revenue accounted for CA$430 million of the total proceeds. This was an increase of CA$184 million from the previous year. And once health and safety restrictions were lifted casinos contributed CA$85 million more, while VLT revenue increased by CA$89 million, and online gaming accumulated CA$10 million more.

Source: Rollason, Kevin “Province confident MLL will settle with 750 casino workers before strike deadline” The Free Press, December 5, 2023