The ongoing strike at Quebec’s casinos has raised concerns about the impact on operations and negotiations between the union representing casino employees and Loto-Québec, the crown corporation that operates the casinos.
The strike, initiated by the union representing security agents, first cooks, slot attendants, and housekeeping staff, began on June 22nd, disrupting the normal operations of the four casinos operated by Loto-Québec. The union’s primary demands include salary increases of 24 percent over three years, a three-year contract, and wage increases equivalent to the inflation rate plus $1 per hour.
The corporation contends that the demands put forth by the union are significantly higher than the agreements reached with other employees over the past year. Loto-Québec emphasizes that the current salaries offered to casino employees are already well above the reference market, with most job classifications receiving more than a 20 percent higher salary. They say they’re offering security agents $67,425, first cooks $65,194, slot attendants $70,575, and housekeepers $57,648. To address the staffing issues caused by the strike, Loto-Québec has made 300 new hires at the casinos since April 1st.
The union representing the striking employees has a different perspective on the situation. According to Riccardo Scopelleti, president of the Casino de Montreal-CSN security workers’ unit, salary and shift premiums are the primary stumbling blocks in the negotiations. The union seeks a three-year contract, while Loto-Québec proposes a five-year term.
Scopelleti points out that over the past three years, 1,400 staff members have left their positions at the casinos in search of better salary, benefits, and working conditions elsewhere.
This staffing issue has resulted in increased workload and dissatisfaction among the remaining employees. The union is particularly concerned about the discrepancy between the salary offered to first-year employees and the demands placed on them. The union argues that this wage difference creates an unfair situation for new hires.
“They’re trying to jam down our throats the agreements they had with the other unions [like the card dealers],” Scopelleti told CDC Reports. “Over the past three years, 1,400 staff members have left to go to other jobs for better salary and benefits and a lighter workload. It’s an issue. We would like a little more than what they’re offering.”
