Caesars Windsor has announced that union workers represented by Unifor Local 444 have ratified a tentative agreement reached March 18 following a month of negotiations. According to a company statement, that means “business as usual.”
“We would like to commend Unifor Local 444 and the entire bargaining team for their respectful and productive efforts in an agreement that is mutually beneficial for both, while balancing and recognizing the challenges our business has faced over the past few years,” said Caesars Windsor president Kevin Laforet in a statement.
According to the Windsor Star, Unifor Local 444 president Dave Cassidy said his members approved the new contract by 93 per cent—the most approval that a casino contract has ever received from Local 444 members.
Cassidy said the bargaining team did not accept any concessions. “We understood the financial situation of Caesars Windsor, but at the same time, we know that this virus will not be here forever, and we were not about to let that be an excuse for your worth. Our members are (the company’s) most vital asset.”
He said the new deal provides “significant gains” in wages, benefits, pensions, and paid time off, as well as a signing bonus and improved contract language.
Prior to the pandemic, Unifor Local 444 represented approximately 2,200 workers at Caesars Windsor. COVID-19 restrictions have resulted in the loss of about 400 of those employees. The previous contract is set to expire on April 2.
