More than 900 workers at Ajax Casino and Pickering Casino Resort are on strike after contract negotiations with their employer broke down, according to Ontario Chronicle reported.
Members of Unifor Local 1090 stopped working at 12:01 a.m. Friday, the union announced in a press release issued that morning. The walkout affects a wide range of staff at both venues, including dealers, slot technicians and attendants, hospitality and food service workers, cooks and dishwashers.
"Our members at Ajax Casino and Pickering Casino Resort have made it clear they are prepared to walk the picket line to get a fair deal," Unifor national president Lana Payne said in a statement.
The union had been seeking a new contract covering both locations that would address pay and working conditions.
"These workers kept the resort running through difficult years, and all they are asking for is fair wages and job security," Payne said.
Striking workers were seen protesting outside both properties on Friday, including along the picket line at the Pickering resort.
Casinos remain open
Despite the work stoppage, both casinos remain open. A notice posted to the venues' websites Friday morning cautioned that guests may experience delays when entering the properties.
Great Canadian Entertainment, which operates both the Ajax and Pickering locations, told CTV News Toronto it will continue negotiating with Unifor in an effort to bring employees back to work "as soon as possible."
The company has not said how long it expects the strike to last, or what specific issues remain between the two sides.
