Unifor leadership accuses casino of sending “mixed messages”

Caesars Windsor workers are still striking and leadership for Unifor Local 444 say casino representatives were sending mixed messages.

On Wednesday, more than 200 workers came out to a rally in front of Caesars Windsor downtown.

(Many were sporting hockey sweaters, in support of the tragic accident in Saskatchewan in which 16 people died in a hockey bus crash, most of them young players.)

Secretary-treasurer of Unifor Local 444 David Cassidy said the casino has not been clear on if it wants to return to the bargaining table as yet.

“Anybody that’s ready, willing and able to come back to the bargaining table and they cancel all the shows ’til the end of April, I think it’s sending a pretty clear message to the public,” said Cassidy.

On Monday, the casino tweeted saying it is “making the very difficult decision” to cancel anything scheduled in April including reservations, meetings, shows and events.

“We are ready, willing and able to go back to the table whenever they are, so we (sent) our proposals back to them … the ball is in their court,” said Cassidy.

Unifor’s chairperson for Caesars Windsor Dana Dunphy said there were multiple ratification meetings for workers and representatives to discuss their concerns.

“The workers raised a lot of issues that we … didn’t get resolved so now we have compiled a new list of issues that we think will resolve the deal,” said Dunphy.

“They have not responded to our calls as of yet but we are ready to go when they are.”

She said Unifor has sent its new list to the casino.

“Obviously, it’s money. The money is the issue,” said Cassidy when asked about the workers’ primary concerns.

According to Cassidy, the workers are the face of the casino.

“They’re the ones that make this casino the money and they want to see respect from the employer. They’re short-staffed, they’re overworked … that’s the biggest issue that they have.”

On Thursday, the strike reached its one-week mark.