The state-owned company adds that the value of the union’s current demands is more than double what has been granted to other employees of the organization in the past year. Loto-Québec says it offers good working conditions and that casino wages exceed those of the reference market by about 20 per cent for most job categories. The union claims that Loto-Québec management is sharing $650,000 in bonuses this year, and that it’s insulting to deny union members raises that keep pace with the cost of living.įor its part, Loto-Québec is at a loss to explain the union’s decision to call an indefinite general strike, claiming that all the elements needed to reach an agreement are available. It argues that the Société des casinos and Loto-Québec are making good profits, and that workers should benefit from this. The union is demanding wage increases equivalent to the rise in the cost of living, plus $1 per hour. However, the call center is not open during the strike. The strike does not affect croupiers at the Montreal, Charlevoix and Lac-Leamy casinos. Casinos in Montreal, Charlevoix and Mont-Tremblant are open according to a modified schedule specific to each establishment, and certain services will be offered on a limited basis.
