The union that represents the bulk of employees at Casino Rama is "currently and aggressively" pursuing a potential closure of the gaming facility due to the COVID-19 threat.
Corey Dalton, president of Unifor Local 1090, posted a message on Facebook today.
This is the message:
"Please be advised that the Union is currently and aggressively seeking information regarding potential closures of workplaces in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 threat.
At approximately 11 a.m., the Chief Medical Officer of Ontario issued an advisory seeking the immediate suspension of all public gatherings of more than 250 people.
We will actively pursue this recommendation throughout the day and provide updates as soon as possible.
The health and safety of our members is our number 1 priority!"
On the Facebook threat, a person asked: "Corey, considering the nature of casinos, what is the union's position on the safety of those workers on the casino floor?"
Dalton responded: "It is our position that Ontario casinos should immediately cease operations and follow Quebec’s lead."
Many employees are concerned about the impact of working in close proximity to others in the wake of what has become a global pandemic.
"It's unfortunate to come into work feeling so scared that when someone coughs or sneezes you'll get this virus, you can see the panic and concern on our own people, and we're suppose to smile and be polite," said a commenter on Facebook.
Calls to Dalton and Rob Mitchell, the spokesperson for Gateway Casinos and Entertainment, which operates Casino Rama, were not returned in time for this story.
