More than 900 workers at two casinos east of Toronto walked off the job Friday morning after negotiations with their employer fell apart.
In a news release issued this morning, Unifor Local 1090 said its members at both Ajax Casino and Pickering Casino Resort began strike action at 12:01 a.m.
“Our members at Ajax Casino and Pickering Casino Resort have made it clear they are prepared to walk the picket line to get a fair deal,” Unifor national president Lana Payne said in a statement.
A handful of workers were seen striking outside of the casinos on Friday.
The union was trying to secure a deal for the workers, including dealers, slot technicians and attendants, hospitality and food service staff, as well as cooks and dishwashers, at the two sites which addressed wages and working conditions.
“These workers kept the resort running through difficult years, and all they are asking for is fair wages and job security,” Payne said.
The Pickering and Ajax casinos remain open, according to a notice posted to both websites Friday morning. However, it says that guests may experience delays entering the property.
In a statement to CTV news Toronto, Great Canadian Entertainment, which runs both sites, said it will continue negotiating with Unifor to get its employees back to work “as soon as possible.”
