Windsor casino workers fear layoffs

The head of a local union representing casino workers is worried slow business at Caesars Windsor could result in layoffs.

Business "just isn't there," said Rick Laporte, the president of Canadian Auto Workers Local 444, which represents about 2,934 cashiers, pit clerks, bus greeters and other casino workers.

"It's down considerably," Laporte told a membership meeting Thursday night. "The only solution, at the end of the day, may be, in fact, a layoff."

Layoffs are "a last option" and "not something we take lightly," according to Holly Ward, the casino's director of communications and community affairs.

To prevent them, the casino is trying to reduce its operating costs "across the board," she said.

It has shortened hours at one of its restaurants and added breakfast service to induce business at another, for example.

"We tweak stuff every day," she said.

But Laporte said the casino is also cutting costs by shortening staff shifts, or "forcing workers out early."

"They're only getting half of their pay sometimes, 20 hours in out of the 40 hours," he said. "It's concerning."

Laporte and Ward blame the recession and recently instituted U.S. passport regulations for the drop in business.

As of June 1, U.S. border rules require anyone entering the United States to have a valid passport or other approved ID such as an enhanced driver's licence. That means any American visitors to Canada now have to present their passports at the border when they go home.

Since most Americans don't carry a passport and American tourists make up "the majority" of the casino's business, Ward said the drop in visits from them since June 1 has been "noticeable."

Caesars Windsor is Windsor's second-largest employer, with about 3,600 workers.