Toronto – CAW Local 1090 members voted today in favour of a new collective agreement at the Great Blue Heron Charity Casino ending a strike that began September 7 at the Port Perry, Ontario gaming facility.

The membership voted 58 per cent in favour of the agreement at a ratification meeting today. They return to work starting Wednesday, September 19th at 4pm.

The new contract includes a minimum wage increase of USD 2.20 per hour over the life of the agreement. It also includes signing bonuses of up to USD 2,000, increased dental coverage, gains in bereavement, short term disability, vacation, patron behaviour language, as well as benefits for part-timers.

There are also strong gains in language covering dealer issues and also improvements in dealer training that for the first time makes it possible for all dealers to progress to the highest dealer wage classification.

CAW Local 1090 President Steve Batchelor said the solidarity of the membership and the strong strike vote of 92 per cent made the new agreement possible, despite many tough challenges.

„We’ve achieved an important new agreement that helps move working conditions and wages a long way forward for our membership at the Great Blue Heron Casino. In the face of strong opposition from management, the determination of our bargaining committee was key to this success,“ Batchelor said.

„We likely would have had a higher percentage at ratification but some of our members remain apprehensive about the company’s commitments.“

CAW Local 1090 represents 825 workers at the casino, including dealers, slot attendants, food and beverage, and maintenance employees.