Caesars Windsor’s workforce has ratified a new three-year collective agreement that the union’s brass have touted as the “most lucrative contract” in the casino’s history.
After weeks of negotiations between Unifor Local 444 and the casino, 83.3% of the union’s membership voted to ratify the deal on Tuesday night. Local 444 represents nearly 1,500 Caesar’s Windsor workers. About 1,250 of those members registered to participate in the ratification vote, Unifor Local 444 president James Stewart said.
“Caesars is always tough to bargain with,” Stewart told the Windsor Star on Wednesday. However, the overwhelming acceptance of the resulting contract indicates the membership is pleased with the union’s effort.
It’s a service industry. Our members working in this city are so close to auto — their expectations are high. They’ve seen what some of our manufacturing units have bargained, and what their gains have been. The expectations were high, and they deserve it. We bargained with that in mind.
I think the 83% ratification shows that they were pleased with the outcome.
Deal includes $4 raise over three years
As part of the new deal, unionized employees will earn a $4 raise over three years—starting with $2 in the first year. Workers will earn an additional $1 bump each of the following years, and the raise also applies to pension plan contributions.
The new contract also gives workers an additional retirement option. Once they turn 65, the new plan allows workers to receive a $500 monthly payment for three years. Or, they can receive a $300 monthly payout at 60 as long as they’ve reached 10 years of service.
Stewart said it’s the biggest monetary increase workers received since the casino opened.
When it comes to the amount of money going into our members’ pockets over a three-year period. This is more than they’ve seen since the introduction of the casino.
Caesars Windsor president Kevin Laforet told the Star in an emailed statement sent Tuesday night that the contract is fair and sustainable.
We would like to commend Unifor Local 444 and the entire bargaining team for their respectful and productive efforts in achieving an agreement that is fair for our employees, while successfully balancing the sustainability of our business.
Our focus remains on providing memorable experiences for our guests, with our award-winning loyalty program, a world-class 2025 entertainment lineup in The Colosseum, and exciting guest promotions.
Members overwhelmingly supported strike action
During contract negotiations, Unifor members voted 98% in favour of strike action if the two sides failed to reach a deal. In 2018, the membership last walked off the job for 60 days after rejecting two tentative contracts. They ratified a third with 75% approval.
However, on April 2, the parties agreed to a tentative deal only hours before the strike deadline. The terms of the latest agreement will apply until April 2028.
Stewart told the Star that monetary gains were a priority during the back and forth.
Once we knew that those monies were in place and we knew they would benefit our members over the life of the agreement, we were confident that it was a good agreement
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