Casino boss warns of 'negative impact' as workers hit picket line

The regional president for Caesars Entertainment said they have no plans to return to the bargaining table and expects this strike to have a negative impact on the business. 

The 2,300 members of Unifor 444 hit the picket line late Thursday after 59 per cent of the membership rejected a tentative agreement reached earlier this week. 

• Caesars Windsor workers are on strike — here's what you need to know

"We expect this will have a negative impact on our business in this very competitive market," said Kevin Laforet, Regional President, Caesars Entertainment in a statement sent out Friday.

"There are no plans to return to the bargaining table at this time."

I think the Caesars brand for myself is really tarnished,- Shawn Mailloux,  hotel guest

Laforet also apologized to customers for any inconvenience caused by the strike.

Caesars spokesperson, Jhoan Baluyot, said the casino is hoping customers won't choose to travel to Detroit to gamble.

"People have choices and every day that we're closed there's a possibility customers could make different choices," she explained. "Our hope is that they don't. We hope they do come back and that we offer something different and a product that they will continue to come back for and customer service as well."

She agreed with Laforet that there's no denying the strike will hurt Caesars, but would not comment specifically on the amount of money the closure would cost the casino each day.

"We're a corporation, we make money, so of course it will make an impact on the bottom line," said Baluyot.

Customers leave

The doors to the casino have signs on them, alerting the public to the closure. Those staying at Caesars' hotel had to leave by 11 a.m. Friday morning. 

Many pouring out of the doors were upset.

"I think the Caesars brand for myself is really tarnished," said Shawn Mailloux. "I'll be looking to see what other hotels are affiliated with the Caesars brand because I'm a little ticked off in how we were notified and advised and how we're on the street in a city that's overbooked for hotels right now."

Mailloux is visiting the city from Sudbury. He said he's here for a basketball tournament that is making it hard for him to find another hotel room. He's planning to spend the next two nights on the floor of a friend's room. 

"We have to go to Canadian Tire to buy an air mattress this morning so we can stay in their room," he said. 

He does not plan on visiting Caesars or any of their affiliates in the future. 

"Letting us arrive on site, check in, go through all this, I don't like that. They knew this was coming."

Barricades and shutdown 

The barricades are up and employees have started taking shifts on the picket line after voting to strike late Thursday night.

• Caesars Windsor workers vote to strike

CBC Windsor spoke with the workers about why they're striking and what they want to hear from their employer.

Aaron Gusba

​Gusba said he was hoping for a strike because "we really have to get a lot more than they offered us."

He said while some parts of the proposed contract were OK, workers want a wage increase of at least $2 over the next three years.

"Wage increases have been minimal, we could do a lot better," he explained. "In the long run our negotiating committee will find a deal we can live with. I have total confidence in them."

Gusba was working at Caesars in 2004 when staff went on strike for six weeks. He said he doesn't expect this work stoppage to drag on as long.

Doug Huppert

​Huppert is a member of OPSEU and said he was out on the line Thursday night waving a giant green and purple flag to back up his "brothers and sisters."

"We're here to support Local 444 because they've got a raw deal and they need to get things right," he said, adding he wants others to join him. "Come out here and support. Come out, bring a flag, bring a sign, whatever."

Abdul Kaskas

Kaskas was walking the line with a large, red Unifor flag draped over his shoulder.

He said it was cold, but members were happy to be on strike.

"We've had enough. I've been here for 20 years and the wage increase was a joke. $1.75 for three years? It should be at least $2 or $2.50."

Kaskas added he's sick and tired of a "lack of respect" from management.

"If it's going to be a long fight I'm here for the long haul. Whatever it takes, I'm here for my brothers and sisters. It's about time we all stood together and showed the company we're no joke and we mean it when we're not happy."

Mike Quaglia

Quaglia said the strike is about showing Caesars that its workers have "power" too.

"This is ridiculous … we do a lot for them. They just don't realize it."

He also said honks from passing drivers is a show of support that means a lot to people picketing.

Quaglia added his goal is to spend the rest of his working life at Caesars.

"I want to retire from this place. I want a good pension. I worked for it. I deserve it."

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