CAW Applies for Certification at Niagara Casinos

TORONTO, April 14 /CNW/ - The CAW has submitted an application with the Ontario Labour Relations Board today to unionize workers at Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino.

The union's application comes after a flurry of organizing activity among casino workers in Ontario's Niagara Region over the past months.

"Casino workers in Niagara have showed tremendous resolve in their efforts to join the CAW over the years, despite the employer's consistent and coordinated approach to deter them," said CAW President Ken Lewenza.

"We are looking forward to making a real difference in the lives of these workers, alongside thousands of other casino workers we represent in Canada."

Workers at the Niagara casinos, despite having already signed CAW union cards, will participate in a secret ballot vote expected to take place over the course of two days as a matter of course under Ontario labour law.

It is during this waiting period that workers are usually exposed to aggressive employer efforts designed to persuade them to vote against joining a union, Lewenza said.

"We'll be watching very closely, along with our legal team, to ensure this employer does not intimidate, frighten or exert undue influence over these workers to unfairly sway their decision," Lewenza warned.

Although dates have not yet been finalized, the vote is expected to take place five business days after the certification application is filed.

The CAW is Canada's largest gaming sector union, representing over 7,000 workers at Caesars Windsor Casino, Brantford Charity Casino, Slots at Sudbury Downs, Great Blue Heron Casino, Edgewater Casino and the Woodbine Racetrack as well as other locations.

For further information: John Aman, CAW Organizing Director, [phone]; or Angelo DiCaro, CAW Communications, [phone]