[PHOTOS] Casinos du Québec: employees go on strike for five days on the eve of the Grand Prix du Canada in Montreal

The employees of the Casinos of Montreal, Charlevoix, Lac-Leamy and Mont-Tremblant are going on strike starting this Thursday afternoon, on the eve of a crucial weekend where the Canadian Grand Prix will be held.

This mobilization of employees affiliated with the CSN occurs following the adoption of a five-day strike mandate to be used at the appropriate time, bringing the number of union members on strike to approximately 1,700 people.

The conflict lies essentially on the question of the salary increases requested, in vain. Employees want an income that will allow them not to become impoverished, in a context of inflation.

The impact of this strike could be doubly important in Montreal as the Formula 1 circus arrives in town, bringing with it several tourists who are also highly coveted by the Casino.

34% increase denounced

Loto-Québec’s fiscal year, presented on June 8, shows that the casino and gaming hall sector had the best year in its history. Kevin G. Taylor, executive vice president and chief operating officer of casinos and gaming halls, received a salary increase of 34%, from $375,461 to $504,498. Casino employees, in turn, claim their share of the pie.

“Loto-Québec struts around saying it has recorded record profits this year. It’s time to benefit the employees who are getting poorer because of inflation,” explains Riccardo Scopelleti, president of the security workers’ unit at the Casino de Montreal.

The CSN denounces, for its part, one-way negotiations with the state-owned company.

“Despite the fact that the company says it wants to negotiate, it has been making the same offer to us since February 28, 2023. There are limits to negotiating alone!” Adds Stéphanie Gratton, interim president of the Federation of Service Employees public-CSN.

The salary increases requested by the employees represent the equivalent of the increase in the cost of living plus $1 per hour and are mainly aimed at the purchasing power of staff and an increase in the attraction and retention of staff. , while a significant turnover is observed.

Loto-Québec indicated for its part that all the activities were continuing, despite the means of pressure. Only the Casino de Mont-Tremblant must be closed for a few hours in order to “organize the resumption of operations” indicated the state-owned company, which denounces the union’s decision.

“Loto-Québec is disappointed that the union has decided to go on strike without notice instead of staying at the bargaining table, especially since two global and generous monetary offers have been tabled in recent months. These offers make it possible to face the major challenges of attraction, retention and the economic context,” management said in a press release.

It should be noted that the croupiers are not affected by this strike, although they are represented by another union.