The secretary/treasurer of Unifor 444 has used a rally for striking workers at Caesars Windsor to call out the CEO of the casino and Windsor's mayor.
David Cassidy says Casino Regional President Kevin Laforet needs to get back to the bargaining table to address the issues like wages and time off.
"Can't even come on the floor to talk to them, to look them in the eye to see what they go through to make this facility top notch and world class for you and the shareholders," says Cassidy.
Cassidy says maybe it’s time for Laforet to step down if talks do not resume soon.
The casino strike is in its 33rd day.
Unifor 444 members rejected a three-year deal April 5 that included an 11% wage hike and no concessions to benefits. Over 2,000 workers are on strike.
The OLG owns the casino while Caesars manages it.
Unifor 444 President James Stewart admits there has been some Facebook battles between members, but insists there's no cracks or a divide in the membership.
Cassidy says the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) also needs to have some urgency in ending the strike.
"Caesars Windsor is a managing company of this facility, and the OLG has a responsibility to the workers here, and the community of Windsor and Essex County," he says.
Cassidy says Mayor Drew Dilkens has been too silent about the labour dispute and has the ability to help push talks along.
"We need the mayor of Windsor to put some pressure on this facility as well. We have to get back to the table," Cassidy says.
