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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 28,
1999 AGCO strike would threaten casinos TORONTO – A potential strike by staff of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario could hamstring Ontario’s casinos and charity gaming as soon as Monday. The union representing the AGCO’s 200 employees rejected a contract offer Wednesday and is preparing for a strike deadline of midnight Sunday. The AGCO was formed in 1997 from the former Ontario Gaming Commission and the Liquor Licencing Board of Ontario. It regulates licenced premises, casinos and charity gambling in the province. A strike would jeopardize enforcement of liquor and gambling regulations, and delay opening of newly licenced premises. The 200 staff are members of Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 565. Bargaining team chair John Worton said they could not sign an agreement that didn’t include a clear, grievable wage structure, benefits language in the contract and recognition of contract workers. "They want us to sign a deal which gives them free rein to set our pay rates – anywhere between a minimum and maximum rate for each job – in a way that would not let us grieve favouritism or inequities. Any increases would be on "merit" – their judgement – and they refuse to provide job specifications against which merit would be measured. No union could sign a deal like that," Worton said. Other problems with the offer are a provision for layoffs of up to 90 days with no regard to seniority, near farcical job posting language, and inadequate protection for contract workers, who form about 10 per cent of the bargaining unit. - 30 - For further information:
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