On Friday, June 23, 2023, nearly 1,700 workers from Quebec casinos went out on an indefinite general strike. This has forced the employer, Loto-Quebec, to adjust the business hours and services at its six gaming locations. Casino de Montreal-CSN workers group that represents the staff members said the negotiations with the company have hit a roadblock.
It should be explained that unionized casino employees in Quebec first went out on a five-day strike during the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. The walkout affected catering, security, and maintenance services. Their demands were higher wages to match the rising cost of living. However, their pressure tactic was ineffective and they voted on an unlimited strike.
- Picket Lines Remain
President of the union, Riccardo Scopelleti shared that the collective bargaining negotiations with the employer have reached a roadblock. The union demands that the employer should reward workers a compensation matching inflation, plus an additional CA$1 per hour. Meanwhile, the Crown said the pay demands increase what the company paid last summer to its other workers.
Workers represented by the union are employed in non-gaming positions such as housekeepers, cooks, servers, and bellhops. The strike does not table game dealers, slot attendants, or pit supervisors. Also, the union said that the Crown corporation has recorded impressive financial results in the last fiscal year and that workers should also benefit from it.
Earlier this month, the Crown corporation issued its financial report for its fiscal 2022-2023. Its casino and gaming hall sector recorded revenue of CA$1.101 billion or a CA$444 million increase over the prior fiscal year. Meanwhile, its online casino revenue spiked by CA$4.6 million for a total of CA$269.9 million.
Due to the strike, Casino Montreal will now work every day from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., while Casino Mont-Tremblant and Hotel-Casino Charlevoix are closed Monday through Wednesday, but open Thursday through Sunday from 2 p.m. to midnight. Additionally, Casino Lac-Leamy, Salon Quebec, and Salon Trois-Rivieres are open every day from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m.
The Crown agency also noted that many of the restaurants at casinos have been forced to temporarily shutter or only offer takeout due to the labour dispute. Nightclubs and other entertainment venues are also suspended. However, hotels remain open. But room service and bellhops are not available at the moment with their amenities also remaining functional.
- Professionals Agree to New Contract
Last year, Loto-Quebec saw protests from its professional workers but the strikes were quickly resolved. In September approximately 450 professionals agreed to the Crown’s proposed terms and returned to their positions. After that, the Crown continued normal operations allowing it to debut the new version of Lotto 6/49, although with a small delay.
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