Casinos in Regina, Moose Jaw to lay off hundreds
The union representing hundreds of Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw employees who will be laid off come April 3 is calling on Saskgaming to reverse its decision, but the corporation says it had little choice given COVID-19 health precautions.
Employees were notified of the layoff Thursday in a letter issued by their union, the Prairies branch of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). Casinos were among the businesses ordered to close to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
In a statement issued Friday, Saskgaming noted at the close of gaming day on March 16, it heeded the advice of the Saskatchewan Health Authority and chief medical health officer on the outbreak, suspended operations and temporarily closed the casinos until further notice.
“Due to both casino properties being temporarily closed, and many gaming floor, Show Lounge and back-of-house staff and management no longer required, the corporation has made the difficult decision to temporarily lay off 549 permanent employees — 497 unionized and 52 non-unionized,” says the statement.
It notes the layoffs are temporary and were made under the public emergency provisions in the Saskatchewan Employment Act.
The letter to union members says some essential positions will be maintained and all staff laid off will be recalled once the casinos reopen.
“We were most disturbed to hear that the decision to lay off staff amid the COVID-19 pandemic was made by Casino management and not a directive issued by the Crown Investment Corp (CIC) or the provincial government cabinet,” Marianne Hladun, regional executive vice-president for PSAC’S Prairie region, said in a release Friday.
“At a time when the prime minister is providing wage subsidies of 75 per cent to small businesses and urging all employers to keep their employees on payroll to reduce the burden on the EI system, a Crown Corporation should be leading by example. I urge the minister to ensure these workers are treated the same as other Crowns and that the layoff notices be rescinded.”
Saskgaming ’s statement said it didn’t consider using the federal wage subsidy because it is only for small businesses and does not apply to government entities.
Hladun said the union has reached out to government officials, including Christine Tell, the minister responsible for Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming.
All staff will maintain their benefits. The union plans to file a policy grievance, claiming provisions of the collective agreement were not followed as they relate to layoffs.
“Companies all across Canada are standing behind their workers and continuing to provide pay during this unprecedented situation. We are asking for Saskgaming to be here for their workers as we were there for the Corporation before the pandemic,” says PSAC’S release.
Regina Leader-post