But toxic LR relationship improving with new face
“A new labour relations era” is how the CAW bargaining report sums up the recent agreement with the Caesar’s Windsor casino.
Over the past few years, the economy has not been good to the casino. It is not profitable and employment has dropped by 47 per cent. Union negotiators were keenly aware of this reality.
As well, on the labour relations front, things have not been positive. “We have not had a relationship with this employer in 15 years,” according to Local 444 president Rick Laporte. The hiring of a new vice-president of human resources by the casino is seen as creating a better environment.
However, the meagre increase in wages in the contract has many members angry. The local was forced to put out a bulletin after the ratification vote defending the deal and reiterating that they felt it was the best that could be done under the circumstances.
The other groundbreaking agreement this week is between the Sheraton Centre hotel in Montreal and the CAW.
Previously, this unit was represented by the CSN. The local leadership is touting several benefits from being associated with the CAW: the major one not being limited by a single set of demands within sector-wide bargaining.
With this independence, the local asserts, came several important breakthroughs.
For the first time, the workers’ half-hour meal break will be paid. Workload for housekeeping is reduced from 14 rooms to 13. Pension contributions are increased by one percentage point and wages increase three per cent in each year.
Gratuities were improved in several ways: tips for banquet servers increase from 11.5 to 12.25 per cent and from 11.5 to 13.0 per cent for bartenders, and suggested tips at higher percentages will be printed on bills.
