The time has come for the casino employees to get back in action. They are looking forward to their return with huge anticipation, hoping that things will be better than before. But there is a catch; it seems like all of them have been given redundancy notices on their last day of work.
Spirits are on a high at Casino Rama as staff members are delighted to be back, say the owner of the property Gateway Casinos & Entertainment and Unifor local. Despite, the difficult last almost two years, employees at the Ontario gaming property remain cheerful and are smiles after the casino was able to reopen its door for guests on Monday, January 31, 2022.
The Government of Ontario entered a modified Step Two of the Business Reopening Plan on January 5, 2022, due to provincial health and safety concerns. Indoor entertainment places, such as casinos, were required to shut down until at least January 25, 2022, according to the law. The purpose of this temporary curfew was to prevent the spread of the current iteration of the extraordinary scenario.
Back in the game
Director of Communications and Public Affairs for Gateway Casinos & Entertainment, Robert Mitchell shared that guests and employees of Casino Rama are happy to be Back in the game. He said that besides the recent snowstorm, the mood at the casino is great. He also added that the company is working on the reopening of the venue’s entertainment centre.
With the property’s recent reopening, the casino’s facilities, such as restaurants and the center bar, have also reopened. Additionally, guests are now permitted to bring a beverage onto the gaming floor with them. Over 550 workers returned to work last week, but 300 remained lay off, according to the business.
Unifor Local 1090 Chairperson and Second Vice President Greg Weaver said that employees are thrilled to be back at work. Despite coming back, he says they are still unsure about the future and are apprehensive about new shutdowns. According to him, the union had 1,170 members before the first big lockdown, but currently has 853. When all limitations are eliminated, he believes the casino will want to recruit additional employees.
Furthermore, Mr. Weaver said that the casino’s personnel has been very exhausted over the previous two years as a result of multiple closures, and that there are still 300 employees who have been let off. He also said that the union is now working with the casino to provide financial assistance to employees during these trying times. Allowing employees to retain their vacation money is an example of this.
Reorganization of the Gaming Floor
The casino stayed closed for approximately 17 months after it closed in March 2020. During that period, the firm must restructure its gaming floor to prepare for reopening and to comply with provincial health regulations. Around 400 slot machines and 20 table games were removed, according to the venue, giving enough room to preserve physical separation between customers.
Live Shows Will Have to Wait
The management of Casino Rama stated in December of last year that several live concerts will be postponed owing to new government mandated health and safety regulations. The live concerts that were supposed to take place in January and February have been rescheduled. Those who purchased tickets may obtain a refund at the time of purchase, according to the casino. Customers may retain their tickets for the rescheduled date if they like. The replacement dates will be revealed later.
Tyler Evans contributed to this article. “‘Very optimistic’: Casino Rama workers ‘eager’ to return,” Orillia Matters, February 6, 2022.
