Unifor stops contracting out at Parq Casino

VANCOUVER, Nov. 17, 2017 /CNW/ - Unifor has reached a negotiated settlement with the Parq Casino and Resort over the company's attempts to force the union out of food and beverage service.

"This is a great victory for workers who were going to lose wages, benefits, and hard-earned seniority," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "Union-busting and contracting out is a plague on Canada's workforce."

Last month, Paragon Gaming's Edgewater Casino opened a $600-million expansion under the brand Parq Casino and Resort. As part of the move, the owner's contracted U.S. food service provider Elizabeth Blau and attempted to make workers at the Edgewater site re-apply for their jobs at the Parq site.

Unifor grieved the contracting out and has negotiated a settlement in which the majority of the food service workers will be re-hired into unionized positions at Centre Bar and BC To Go Window at the new site. The settlement ensures that 75 workers will retain wages, benefits, and seniority rights.

"The settlement is a major win for workers' rights," said Joie Warnock, Unifor's Western Regional Director. "When food service workers have secure and rewarding employment, customers have a far better experience."

Bargaining for a new contract resumes with Parq at end of November.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor