Strike looming at OLG Slots at Woodbine

TORONTO, May 2, 2013 /CNW/ - On April 28, 2013 the Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG) Corporation tabled its final offer to nearly 400 workers who work at the Slots at Woodbine. Workers previously rejected an earlier offer after a vote conducted on April 10, 2013, because the offer did not address their priorities.

Workers are fighting for greater work-life balance, job security and improved compensation. The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), which represents these workers, has been trying to avoid a strike by having the OLG address these concerns.

"The workers have been clear; they want a fair deal that includes fair scheduling to allow for work-life balance for part-time employees, better job security in light of upcoming privatization and improvements to compensation", states Sharon DeSousa, PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President for Ontario. "Executives at the OLG have seen their pay go up by nearly 50 per cent over the past two years, yet they say their workers should not receive any increases."

With continued discussions of a downtown Toronto Casino and with it the promise of good jobs, it is crucial that the public see the reality of what it means to be a casino worker.

A vote on the OLG's final offer will be held on Sunday, May 5 and Monday May 6, 2013. If the workers reject the final offer, a No Board Report will be triggered, which is the final step before strike action. Workers could then be on strike as soon as May 24^th.

SOURCE: Public Service Alliance of Canada - Ontario

Jonathan Choquette, PSAC Communications Officer - 819-773-2511 ([email protected])