Gateway Casino layoffs hit Dresden, Point Edward, Sudbury

Some layoffs have been announced at casinos in the region.

Unifor Local 444 confirms half a dozen positions are affected at both the Dresden and Point Edward casinos.

Union president Dave Cassidy said the Point Edward staff will likely be able to find other work at the same location.

"There's some movement that they can do inside the facility, because remember they got the big expansion going on in Sarnia right now," he said.

"So there's obviously some opportunities for people to move, so we don't feel that anybody will hit the street there, but potentially a couple could in Dresden."

A casino spokesperson said some of the layoffs are due to some new technology which allows patrons to use a machine to redeem rewards. The surveillance systems have been upgraded, as well their payroll system.

"In some circumstances this has resulted in some layoffs," said Rob Mitchell, director of Communications and Public Affairs.

The majority of the proposed staff reductions are being made through a voluntary exit incentive program, staff reassignments and the remainder through layoff.

Getting back to the workforce

Cassidy expects any workers in Dresden who lose work now will be able to find jobs once Gateway moves that location to Chatham.

Mitchell confirms expansions are happening at Point Edward as well with a new restaurant. He said the company is investing $500,000 in Ontario casinos. Once that investment is completed in two years, the company will have created 1.000 new jobs.

Cassidy said there was a one-year freeze on layoffs when Gateway took over the properties from OLG, and that period ended a month ago.

Gateway Casinos is also laying off staff in Sudbury.