Unifor organizes solidarity rally for striking Caesars Windsor workers

WINDSOR, ON, April 20, 2018 /CNW/ - On Sunday April 22, Unifor is holding a community rally to support striking Caesars Windsor hospitality workers calling for respect and demanding a better contract to address workload issues.

"With the strength of 315,000 workers, our union will send a united message to the employer that hospitality workers deserve respect and a good contract," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "Caesars Windsor Casino has done incredibly well financially because of the hard work done by these workers, and now it's time for the employer to recognize that in negotiations."

Since April 6, 2,300 workers represented by Unifor Local 444, have been on strike, with hundreds walking the picket line. The striking workers work in both the casino and the associated hotel employed as dealers, cooks, housekeepers, and janitors. To learn more about this strike, watch this short video on YouTube.com/UniforCanada from the front lines about their workplace issues. Members of the community are invited to join the family friendly family rally.

WHAT: Unifor community rally for striking workers at Caesars Windsor casino

WHEN: Sunday, April 22 beginning at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Windsor Riverfront Festival Plaza, 375 Riverside Dr. E, Windsor, Ontario

WHO: Jerry Dias, Unifor National President, Bob Orr, Unifor National Secretary-treasurer, striking Caesars Windsor Casino workers, and Unifor Local 444 representatives.

Bargaining initially began on February 12 and the union prioritized key issues including job security, wages, pensions, and workplace harassment. A tentative agreement was reached on April 4, but the majority of union members turned down the offer, with the strike commencing on April 6. Talks with the employer commenced again on April 18 but failed to lead to a new deal and the casino workers remain on strike, holding a consistent picket line in front of the facility.

"The energy is high on the picket line and members know the union has their back, but this action is about sending a message about fairness to the employer," said Dias, encouraging the community to join the rally.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy including 19,000 hospitality and gaming workers across Canada. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor