Quebec Casino Workers End Lengthy Strikes Following Agreement

Loto-Québec has recently announced the conclusion of strikes at its various gambling establishments throughout Quebec. The Crown corporation revealed that its casino and online gambling platform employees, affiliated with CSN, have chosen to end the strikes, opting to accept the recommendations put forth by the Ministère du Travail conciliator.

Strikes commenced in Gatineau, Montreal, Charlevoix Mont-Tremblant, and the Crown agency's online gambling platform in mid-June 2023. The workers had been demanding better pay to keep pace with the rapidly rising cost of living in the country. Initially, the employer had been hesitant to meet their demands, considering them too substantial.

Resolution Achieved

Recent reports indicate that employees from the four casinos and the online platform have voted with a 73% majority to accept the conciliator's recommendation, effectively ending the labor dispute. Approximately 1,700 unionized employees will now receive a 16% salary increase over six years, including a 2% bonus, and a lump sum of CA$1,250 will be integrated into their salaries.

Riccardo Scopelleti, spokesperson for Intercasinos and president of the Montreal casino security department, remarked that during the strikes, employees from all locations displayed remarkable unity. He expressed pride in the bonds of solidarity formed among the workers. Loto-Québec also expressed satisfaction at the resolution of the conflict and reaching a responsible agreement with its employees.

The recommendation from the Ministry of Labour's chief conciliator was presented to the general assemblies of the various striking units. Voting concluded swiftly on Monday, September 25, 2023. Notably, this marked the first instance of all nine Intercasinos teams negotiating together, which is expected to strengthen their relationship, as stated by Vice-President of the FEESP–CSN, Frédéric Brun.

Finally, Loto-Québec informed that staff members will gradually return to their positions in the upcoming weeks, enabling a phased resumption of gambling activities. The Crown also advised customers to visit the official websites of each casino for information regarding their respective opening hours and available services.

Regulator Abandons Mini-Casino Plans

Earlier this year, the Crown had announced plans to introduce nearly 300 video lottery machines at the former Taverne 1909 restaurant in downtown Montreal. However, this project faced opposition from Montreal Public Health (DRSP), which issued a comprehensive 40-page report highlighting potential risks associated with opening a casino in close proximity to the home of the Montreal Canadiens.

Following the public release of DRSP's report, Loto-Québec decided to abandon the mini-casino project. The Crown expressed its respect for the opinion of the public health organisation but maintained that the project represented a missed opportunity. It stated that it had proposed a responsible project aimed at reducing accessibility and removing 600 VLTs from bars in disadvantaged areas on the island of Montréal.