MGEU members working in the food and beverage industry at both Winnipeg casinos have voted to ratify a new eight-year collective agreement that will provide wage increases ranging from approximately 16% to over 40%, where the first four years of the agreement go back to the period when a 0%, 0%, 0.75% and 1% wage mandate had been imposed on MBLL workers.
“The significant wage increases for the next four years reflect how poorly this workforce has been treated,” said MGEU President Kyle Ross. “Now, these members will be able to finally catch up and keep up with the soaring cost of living. I can’t think of a better Christmas present for these deserving Manitobans than this deal.”
Members had been working without a contract since 2020. This was the same time many members were laid off because of casino being shuttered during the pandemic. Bargaining for this collective agreement started in September.
The new contract also includes signing bonuses ranging from $600-$1,800 per member.
“I want to thank the bargaining committee for their hard work and congratulate all members on a deal that will finally respect them for the work they do to keep customers well served while visiting the casinos,” added Ross.