Cascades Casino Delta launched operations last September, but its staff has already joined a labour union and has recently inked its first collective agreement. At the end of April 2023, unionized workers from the property voted in favour of ratifying a new deal with their employer – Gateway Casinos and Entertainment. Successfully negotiating wager increases and more.

The staff of the Delta gaming property joined Unifor Local 114 in January 2023, which is the largest labour union in the private sector. At present, it represents over 315,000 workers in every major sector of the Canadian economy. The union’s objective is to protect all working people and their rights and fight for equality in social justice in Canada and beyond.

Negotiations were Successful

In a recent press release, Lana Payne who is the union’s President said that forming a union is the most effective way to make sure that everyone’s voice in the workplace is heard while also making real and long-term gains. On behalf of the union, she welcomed the staff members to the team and congratulated them on their first negotiated contract.

As per terms of the new agreement which will apply for three years, wages will be increased by 9% and also add premiums for graveyard shifts. According to the union, the signing of the deal will protect seniority and makes provisions for making scheduling and recall more transparent and fairer for employees who are part of the union.

Via this new collective contract, the employer will also give September 30, as the federal statutory holiday for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and fund education leave and Unifor’s Social Justice Fund. Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director commented the contract is another instance for workers who have not joined a union yet but a looking to do so.

Up and Running Since September

After years of development and obstacles, Gateway Casinos and Entertainment finally launched its Cascades Casino Delta in September 2022 and held a grand opening. Currently, the union is representing more than 200 workers at the property. Some of them work as dealers, slot attendants, guest services workers, food and beverage servers, cashiers, and security guards.

The opening ceremony featured many important members of the operator, British Columbia Lottery Corporation and more. COO of the company, Rob Ward, commented that it was a tremendous occasion for both Delta and the corporation. He believes that the new property is a testament to the resiliency and determination of a great many people who contributed.

On top of the property’s premium gambling amenities, the company is also making sure that patrons are protected. This is done with the help of BCLC’s GameSense program. Experts from the program remind gambling should be done only for fun. If bettors have any questions, the specialists are available during the gaming floor’s operational hours.

Source: Gyarmati, Sandor “Delta casino workers reach deal with employer” Delta Optimist, May 5, 2023