Canada's biggest union urges casino to reopen safely

Unifo is urging states to safely reopen casinos and gaming operations across the country today in line with the same sound public health protocols that have guided other sectors of the economy to reopen.

"It's time to safely reopen casinos so that game workers can get back to work and support their families," said Unifo National Chairman Jerry Dias. "There is no sound science behind this decision to close casinos while also justifying the reopening of Walmart, gyms and restaurants. There is no logic behind this decision, which puts the perfect legal sector at risk."

In the past few weeks, states across Canada have begun lifting restrictions on business operations, including restaurants, retail stores and fitness facilities, in line with expert guidance from public health authorities. But at the same time, casinos remain closed under government orders in several jurisdictions, including British Columbia and parts of southern and southwest Ontario.

Games are a heavily regulated sector, and operators must already comply with strict government orders. Unifo members continue to work with large game providers under strict health and safety protocols, so they should be able to resume operating the rest of the game and secondary hospitality, especially with slot games that allow highly controlled physical distancing.

With many gaming facilities closed or operating at limited capacity, thousands of gaming workers remain laid off across the country. Many of these workers have already lost their insurance benefits or are about to lose them, which could put gaming workers in a difficult position to choose between life-saving medicines and other essentials like paying rent or groceries.

"Other types of businesses have been allowed to reopen, but casino and gaming workers are lagging behind," Díaz added. "We have reviewed comprehensive plans submitted by employers to the government to ensure that guests and workers remain healthy and safe. With these improved measures, members want to get back to work and help the economy normalize."

Canada's legal gaming sector is already facing competition from illegal and unregulated online gaming. While many states operate their own legal online gaming platforms, there are concerns that the extended closure of offline casinos could allow more customers to participate in illegal online gambling.  실시간 바카라사이트

Unifo is the largest union in Canada's private sector, representing 315,000 workers in all major sectors of the economy. Unifo represents about 9,000 gaming workers in casinos, racetracks, and lotteries across Canada, and is the country's largest union for gaming workers. The union advocates for all workers and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to make progressive change for a better future.