Is there hope the strike at Caesars Windsor will be a short-lived one?
A statement Monday from Caesars Windsor President, Kevin Laforet reads, "we are open to returning to the bargaining table." However, it also says, "there is no information to discuss."
About 2,300 workers at the casino have been off the job since last Friday after they rejected a tentative deal with their employer by 59%.
On Monday, Caesars Windsor announced it had postponed all shows at the Colosseum, and all conventions, events, and meetings for April. Hotel reservations are also cancelled until the end of the month.
Caesars Windsor CEO Kevin Laforet. (Photo by Mike Vlasveld)
"It was a very difficult decision," said Laforet in his statement to the media. "Ultimately, our commitment to customer service means being proactive and giving our patrons and clients advance notice in the event they need to make alternative plans."
Unifor Local 444 President, James Stewart responded late Monday night on Facebook suggesting the union will be prepared should the casino call them back to the bargaining table.
"Your bargaining committee will be meeting Tuesday morning to put the final pieces on a new bargaining demand package to present to the company," wrote Stewart.
"As soon as that's done, probably by lunchtime today, we'll be contacting the casino to push them to get back to the table like their statement says," he told BlackburnNews.com Tuesday morning.
He believes cancelling April's scheduled events sends a mixed message.
"It certainly signals to me that they're entrenched in their position. But, so are our members," he said. "If the intention is to go back to the bargaining table and maintain, or offer less than what was already there than I don't see a quick resolution to this."
The last strike at Caesars Windsor in 2004 lasted six weeks.