More shows cancelled as casino strike continues
Angry union president accuses casino of trying to ‘starve out’ striking workers
Caesars Windsor has cancelled more hotel bookings and indefinitely postponed more concerts as a result of the ongoing strike by its unionized workforce — while criticism mounts from parts of the community.
According to a statement released on Tuesday morning, Caesars Windsor made a “difficult yet necessary” decision to cancel all reservations booked for May 1-19. Shows that were scheduled for The Colosseum during that time — Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson on May 4 and Canadian illusionist Darcy Oake on May 17 — have been postponed. Future dates for those shows have yet to be determined.
Kevin Laforet, Caesars Entertainment regional president, said it’s important for Caesars Windsor to be proactive and give customers time to alter their plans.
“We understand the impact these postponements and cancellations may have on our valued guests,” Laforet said.
The move brought an immediate rebuke from James Stewart, president of Unifor Local 444, which represents the 2,300 striking workers.
“I think it’s a clear indication they intend to starve the members out,” Stewart said on Tuesday. “That’s the message I’m taking from them.” “This could all be resolved quickly if the casino wanted it to be resolved.”
Stewart said there has been no progress since talks broke off between the company and Local 444’s bargaining team on April 18. “They said they have no interest in our package. And we haven’t heard one thing from them since,” Stewart said.
No future talks have been scheduled.
On the prospect of the strike continuing into the summer, Stewart said the membership has been firm: “They are adamant about the demands they have on the table.” “I feel for the patrons. I know the customers want to be in the casino, they want to enjoy the entertainment that Caesars offers. I think Caesars could solve this very quickly — if they wanted to.”
As of Tuesday, concert dates set for The Colosseum after May 19 — including rapper Pitbull, pop-punk band Blink 182 and metal band Disturbed — remained unchanged. Tickets purchased in advance of postponed shows will be honoured on the new show dates. Alternatively, ticket refunds may be sought through the method of purchase. However, any tickets that were bought via the casino’s box office cannot be currently refunded, as there are no staff members to process the refund.
It’s the second time Caesars Windsor has implemented mass cancellations and postponements since the strike began. The casino complex previously took a similar measure for most of the month of April.
Wednesday marks the 20th day of the strike. The employees went to the picket lines after rejecting a tentative agreement between union negotiators and the company. Wages have been a major point of contention in the dispute. The tentative deal that 59 per cent of the membership voted down would have increased hourly wages for all Schedule A employees (dealers, housekeepers, kitchen staff, maintenance staff, and most other staff ) by $1.75 over the course of three years.
There were also signing bonuses of $1,150 for all full-time employees, $900 for part-time employees, and $500 for casual employees. Stewart wouldn’t disclose the details of the union’s latest offer, but said: “We don’t want the world. We’re not asking to break the company. I think our demands are fair.” Regarding rumours that Caesars Windsor is stalling a resolution in order to complete renovation work on the facilities, Stewart said the company has assured that “they are not doing any construction in the hotel, of any kind, while the strike is proceeding.”
“There’s no one coming in or out of the casino who could do that kind of work. The company has been very clear to us that that’s not happening.”
On Tuesday, some Unifor Local 444 members travelled to Queen’s Park to hear Windsor West MPP Lisa Gretzky speak about the strike before the Ontario legislature. Gretzky criticized Caesars management as not being a “willing partner” in the negotiation process and called upon the premier to “make sure that Caesars management gets back to bargaining.”