Caesars Windsor has been in a non-operational condition for over a year, following the closure of the gaming property in March of last year due to an unprecedented situation. Unlike the casino, several other businesses have already reopened with safety measures in place. Employees of the casino are starting to worry even more since despite other businesses officially functioning their workplaces are still unavailable.
The gambling facility is regarded as one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region, and its closure has had a negative impact on the local economy. Despite being operational for only a few months in the last year, the casino was unable to provide the much-needed revenue for the city’s coffers.
The gambling venue employs thousands of people, and it is uncertain when it will reopen. Dave Cassidy, President of Unifor Local 444, recently confirmed that the closure has been devasting for the workers, but that the union is doing everything possible to help the unionized workers who are now waiting for the casino to reopen.
The labor union represents over 2,200 casino workers, a decrease from the previous number of 2,700 before the unprecedented situation began. Security and maintenance are only handled by a limited number of employees who work at the venue. Many workers are evaluating their options and considering searching for jobs elsewhere, according to June Muir, executive director of the Unemployed Help Centre.
In response to the public backlash, Scott Jenkins, the gaming property’s director of advertising and public relations, claimed that the previous year had been extremely difficult for all parties involved, especially the employees and their families. The casino will reopen, he said, if the region shifts into the “orange tier” of the government’s colored system.
According to the current tier’s rules, casinos and bingo properties can only have a maximum capacity of ten customers.
The gambling sector in the region, according to a city spokesperson, contributes about CA$11 million to the local budget each year. This is one of the reasons the city is in financial trouble, with a budget deficit of CA$19 million. The reopening of the casino cannot come soon enough for both its employees and the welfare of the local economy.
Prior to the recent news surrounding the Windsor-Essex gambling venue, the casino offered higher retirement bonus benefits to its senior employees. Employees will also be able to enjoy better retirement bonuses as a result of the Unifor Local 444 negotiations with casino representatives. The new bonus differentiates according to the employees’ experience and are above the age of 60.
Caesars Windsor was able to reopen for a limited time at the end of 2020, on October 8. The gambling property prepared a limited portfolio of offerings for its invited VIP guests. Visitors had to make a preliminary online reservation in order to participate in the gambling activities, as the online premise only had a 50-player capacity.
