Union urging provincial governments to allow casinos to reopen
Published September 2, 2020 at 11:15 pm
Now that most provinces have entered Stage 3, many more businesses have been permitted to reopen. However, not all have.
Unifor, Canada’s largest private-sector union that represents 315,000 workers, is urging provincial governments to allow for casinos to join the list.
“Enough is enough—it’s time to safely re-open casinos so gaming workers can get back to work and support their families,” Jerry Dias, Unifor national president, said in a news release.
“There’s just no sound science that justifies re-opening Walmarts, gyms, and restaurants while at the same time keeping the casinos closed. There’s no logic behind the decision, and it’s placing a perfectly legal sector in jeopardy,” he continued.
Over the last few weeks, as Provinces have seen the number of new COVID-19 cases shrink, more businesses have been permitted to reopen, albeit with additional safety measures and precautions.
Unifor is urging governments to allow casinos to reopen with additional safety measures that have allowed similar businesses such as restaurants and cinemas.
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With many gaming facilities closed or operating at restricted capacity, thousands of workers from across Canada remain out of work.
Additionally, many of these workers have already lost or soon will lose benefits coverage, which could force these people to have to choose between medication and other essentials like paying for rent or groceries.
“While other types of businesses have been allowed to re-open, casinos and gaming workers are being left behind,” Dias said.
“We have reviewed the comprehensive plans our employers have submitted to government to make sure guests and workers are kept healthy and safe. With these enhanced measures in place, our members want to get back to work and help our economy get back on its feet,” he added.
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