Some unionized Manitoba casino workers threaten to strike

Unionized workers at some Winnipeg casinos are threatening to strike if they don't reach what they consider a fair contract with their employer by Dec. 23.

Nearly all members of Unifor Local 144 who work for Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries voted in favour of striking, a Friday news release from the union says.

The union represents more than 750 workers at McPhillips Station Casino, Club Regent Casino and the Shark Club Casino, where they work was dealers, cashiers, slot attendants, security officers, customer service reps and trades workers.

The workers "deserve a strong collective agreement, not the foot dragging and disrespect we're seeing from the company," said Unifor's national president, Lana Payne, in the release.

"Management has left us little choice but to take job action. My message to this employer: step up and bring a serious offer."

The workers have been without a collective agreement since June 2022, with their wages increasing 1.75 per cent in the past six years.

"We don't have endless patience. A serious offer from the employer is required to get bargaining back on track," said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor's western regional director.

Uniforrepresents a total of 315,000 employees in Canada's private sector.

CBC has reached out to Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries for comment.