OLG Slots workers at Toronto’s Woodbine Racetrack locked out

Woodbine Racetrack is operating with reduced services after the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) locked out its unionized employees when both sides couldn’t reach a labour agreement by the midnight deadline.

The OLG said in a statement on Friday the electronic poker room will be closed and the onsite courtesy shuttle will not be available. There will also be limited hours of operation for coat checks.

“The Slots at Woodbine Racetrack will remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which will enable OLG to continue to provide the Province and the people of Ontario with contributions for important priorities such as health care, education, amateur sport and charities,” the OLG said in a statement on Friday.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) said in a statement Thursday that OLG sent a letter to more than 400 of its workers saying they would be locked out by the bargaining deadline after workers rejected a tentative agreement during a vote on Saturday and Sunday.

The statement said the union’s bargaining team sent a revised offer to OLG management on Wednesday, but said the offer was rejected.

“Workers are continuing to stand firm against an offer that would not improve their working conditions, especially for part-time workers,” Sharon DeSousa, PSAC Ontario regional executive vice president, said.

PSAC said more than 60 per cent of the employees are part-time workers. But the union said several are working more than part-time hours.

“This large part-time workforce has no guarantee of hours, yet must be available for shifts within a 48-hour time frame in a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week operation.”

The OLG said it will continue to work with the union to reach a collective agreement “as soon as possible.”

“OLG respects the collective bargaining process and we treat our employees fairly and respectfully,” the OLG said in a statement. “We are open to having discussions with PSAC at any time to resolve the issues in dispute.”

With files from David Shum