Press release

Montréal, June 21, 2023 — Loto-Québec is disappointed that the union has declared another day of strike beginning at midnight tonight, especially considering that a generous and comprehensive monetary offer remains on the table. The corporation would have preferred to count on all its employees, including CSN-affiliated ones. Nonetheless, staff will be in place to welcome customers during this new 24-hour strike, as they were during Grand Prix weekend.

Some services will be limited as of midnight. Details will be available on the casinos’ website. The Montréal, Charlevoix and Mont-Tremblant casinos will be open from 2 p.m. to midnight on Thursday. The Casino du Lac-Leamy will be open according to its regular hours.

Negotiations with CSN

Loto-Québec is disappointed that the union does not appear inclined to have further serious and constructive discussions. Two monetary offers were tabled over the last few months. These offers make it possible to meet the challenges of attraction and retention and to face the current economic situation.

The value of the union’s current demands more than doubles what was agreed upon with the rest of the organization’s employees over the last year. It is worth noting that seven other collective agreements for employees within the same job classifications were renewed at the casinos in 2022, to the satisfaction of all parties.

Excellent working conditions

Loto-Québec is committed to offering good working conditions to all its employees. Salaries at the casinos are well above the reference market—over 20% for most job classifications. Working conditions are all the more attractive and competitive for staff when all benefits are taken into account: incentive pay, the many allowances and the defined benefit pension plan. Nearly 65% of hours worked entail allowances, helping to increase attractiveness and retention.

In addition, most CSN-affiliated employees benefited from the positive financial results of the last year through the incentive pay to which they are entitled.

Attractive jobs

The corporation is facing the same attractiveness and retention issues as most organizations. Despite the current context, the attractive conditions resulted in over 300 new hires at the casinos since April 1. The corporation is also proud to count on experienced personnel at its casinos, nearly 30% of whom have cumulated 25 or more years of service. 

Loto-Québec wishes to resume serious and constructive discussions, so the situation can be settled equitably for all its employees while ensuring that public funds are managed soundly.