Windsor Casino Staff Seeking Support After Lay Off

On Thursday, Caesars Windsor Casino employees have demonstrated it frustration with the closing of the gaming property, as a result of Ontario’s new health and safety protocols. Members of Unifor Local 444 have rallied in front of the office of MP Irek Kusmierczyk demanding federal support, as they wish to be included in a lockdown aid program, which was revealed last month.

On Monday, January 3, 2022, the Provincial Government of Ontario announced that the province will be entering State Two of the Reopening plan, meaning that casinos have to close down again. Caesars Windsor Casino had to shut down again, months after being reopened in the summer of 2021, thus leaving its staff without work again.

Thousands Laid Off

At the Thursday rally, James Stewart, who is the financial secretary for Unifor Local 444, commented that the rally’s objective was to make sure that the local government understands the concerns of the casino members. He said that thousands of provincial casino workers have been laid off with the closure of casinos and that the union has to make sure that they are not left behind.

Dana Dunphy, casino chair for Local 444, elaborated that the union often sees workers going to food banks, as well as struggling with mental health, or can be even affected by family violence due to the lengthy layoff. According to the chair, the provincial restrictions are preventing staff members from going to work and making a living, and feeding their families.

Over 850 members who have been laid off since March 2020, which was the beginning of the unprecedented situation, have not qualified for the newest federal lockdown benefit. Dawn Blanchette, who is a Local 444 member at the casino, commented that he does not need handouts and he just wants to have his job back. He thinks that there is no reason for the hospitality sector to be impacted by restrictions every time.

Dave Cassidy, president of Unifor Local 444, urged the provincial government to take action and not leave people behind. In his words, after reading many emails, he says that people just want to go back to work and continue with their life. He added that the union’s objective is to make sure that the staff members are not forgotten and that their voice is heard.

Closed on Wednesday

Shortly after the provincial announcement of new health and safety restrictions and a ban on indoor gatherings by Ontario, Caesars Windsor Casino has also informed of its imminent shutdown. The gaming amenity ceased work on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at 12:01 a.m. According to provincial statements, the closure will be imposed to at least January 26, 2022, however, this could be subject to change.

Besides providing work to many locals, the casino is also quite beneficial to the local economy, as Windsor receives quarterly non-tax gaming revenue allocations from the OLG for the hosting of the venue. Since its opening in 1994, the gaming hotspot has provided more than CA$99 million in such payments to the municipality. In October 2021, Windsor received a quarterly payment of CA$1,752,526.

Source: Kathleen, Saylors “Windsor casino workers rally for aid as latest lockdown hits”, Windsor Star, January 6, 2022