80 security guards and surveillance technicians at Lac Lemay Casino are threatening to strike in order to express their extreme frustration at the intransigence displayed by their employer. The members are attempting to renew a collective agreement that expired in March 2018.
They unanimously voted for a strike last November 3.
Negotiations have stalled due to the proposed wage hikes that have been deemed insufficient, as they are less than the rising rate of inflation.
The union pointed out that, in spite of the pandemic, Loto-Québec racked up profits of close to $200 million for the first quarter of 2021-2022. Moreover, between April and June 2021, their sales topped $400 million, and they are planning to turn over $1 billion to the Government of Quebec.
“Loto-Québec is clearly able to offer decent wage increases, which will not impoverish its employees, but they don’t want to pay,” stated Michel Despatie, president of CUPE 3959.
The situation could well become much worse at the casino, as two other unions representing general unit employees and croupier are renewing their collective agreements.
In addition, the union is launching an advertising campaign in the next few weeks to denounce what is happening at Lac Lemay Casino. The pressure tactics could result in the complete closure of the facility.
“We want to negotiate, but the employer insists on offering us wage hikes lower than those of employees doing the same work in other gaming establishments. That is unacceptable!” said Guy Gosselin, CUPE union representative.