Unionized workers at Caesars Windsor have ratified a three-year collective agreement.
Unifor Local 444 posted to social media Tuesday evening stating that 83.3 per cent of the nearly 1,500 members gave their stamp of approval for the deal.
Local 444 is calling it "the most lucrative contract since Caesars Windsor opened in 1994".
The tentative deal was reached on April 2 shortly before the midnight strike deadline, and members were able to vote online on Tuesday between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
James Stewart, Unifor Local 444 President, says the union was happy with the result.
"The members voted 83.3 per cent in favour of the deal, which is good. And we had a very high turnout for the vote, which is also good, it shows that the members were happy with the agreement, so it's a good step moving forward."
He says the deal included a number of improvements for members.
"We got a $4 raise over the three-year agreement which is more than double of what they made in the past on their agreements. We got improvements in benefits right across the board almost. We had workplace language improvements, we had some special retirement packages for a short period of time available."
Stewart says tariffs and the state of the economy was a concern between the union and employer.
"Through the process of bargaining we made sure to let Caesars know that our members have seen good wage improvements in other jurisdictions in our economy, and they wanted to make sure they were recognized in this round of bargaining. We made sure talking with Caesars they knew that all along, that that was our goal."
He adds that 1,200 members had registered to take part in the ratification vote - which is very high for the amount they usually see.
This contract will expire in April 2028.
Caesars Windsor released a statement stating it was business as usual at the casino.
“We would like to commend Unifor Local 444 and the entire bargaining team for their respectful and productive efforts in achieving an agreement that is fair for our employees, while successfully balancing the sustainability of our business," said Caesars Windsor president Kevin Laforet.
"Our focus remains on providing memorable experiences for our guests, with our award-winning loyalty program, a world-class 2025 entertainment lineup in The Colosseum, and exciting guest promotions,” he said.
Attention Caesars Members,
— Local 444 Unifor (@LOCAL444UNIFOR) April 9, 2025
With 83.3% approval, we have a DEAL!!
Your bargaining team is proud of this three-year agreement, the most *lucrative contract since Caesars Windsor opened in 1994.
James Stewart
President, Local 444#uni444bargaining#uni444caesars#uni444family pic.twitter.com/IY91qQ1blO