Edmonton – September 19, 2015 – UFCW Canada Local 401 members working at the Gateway-owned Palace Casino and Baccarat Casino in Edmonton, Alberta have voted overwhelmingly in favour of new contracts at the two locations that bring improvements to working conditions, wages, and benefits.

The Palace Casino is located inside the West Edmonton Mall. The Baccarat Casino is located in the heart of downtown Edmonton. Both venues offer an array of gaming and dining facilities.  

Under the new contracts workers will receive a 100% employer-paid short-term disability plan for all employees who qualify for company benefits. Part-time benefits packages have now been increased to $650 per year. New language has also been added to improve the ability for workers to transfer between casinos. Both casinos will now receive a full-time walking steward and increased job protection for employees with new job classifications. Improvements in training and wage opportunities for roulette employees at both casinos have also been increased, and new workers at both casinos will now receive paid union orientation.

Under the new contract at the Palace Casino, new language has been added to ensure that existing and potential housekeeping employee jobs will not be contracted out during the term of the contract.

The security department at the Baccarat Casino is now also covered under the new collective bargaining agreement at the downtown venue. Parking is also secured for existing workers at the location.

The two new contracts also include a provision that all guests will now go through a security check before entering the casinos to ensure worker safety.