News

News taken from: http://www.unifor.org/

Unionized workers at Casino Rama, one of Ontario's largest casino resorts, have ratified their first collective agreement.

"Congratulations to the workers at Casino Rama, and welcome to the Unifor family," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias.

"Today, you have taken an important step in ensuring your voice will be heard in the workplace, and toward building a more stable future for you, your families and your community."

Unifor Local 1090 President Steve Batchelor said the bargaining committee is extremely proud to have addressed the key concerns of the 1,700 new members at Casino Rama, including: wage improvements and parity within classifications, a grievance and arbitration process, equitable scheduling to maintain work/life balance, elimination of an unfair employee rating system, a women's advocate program, improved vacation provisions, including pushing back on two tier vacations, benefit premium frozen for part time, skilled trades language, no contracting out, commitment to increasing full time employees, full time union representation.

"This agreement is the culmination of not only the strong determination of the bargaining committee, but is also the result of the unwavering solidarity of the membership," Batchelor said. "This agreement definitely establishes a relationship moving forward that will continue to improve the working conditions for our new members at Casino Rama."

Almost 1,700 workers at Rama, including dealers, cashiers, slot workers, food and beverage staff, environmental services, finance, hotel, valet, entertainment and other staff, voted to join Unifor last year.

They join more than 15,000 hospitality workers, including more than 7,000 at casinos, already represented by Unifor across Canada. Unifor also represents workers at Caesars Windsor, Great Blue Heron Gaming, Manitoba Lotteries Corp and other gaming sites, as well as several hotels across Canada.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 310,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union merged.

http://www.unifor.org/en/whats-new/press-room/rama-workers-ratify-first-...