Gateway Casinos and Entertainment, the operator of Casino Rama, has bowed to mounting pressure and has agreed to extend benefits coverage for their employees until June 30.

On March 17, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission forced the closure of all casinos in Ontario in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At that time, the company, in an internal memo to staff, pledged to cover the costs of the benefits during “the duration of the pandemic.”

But two weeks ago, employees learned their benefits were to be cut off as of April 30. That infuriated employees.

It also drew the ire of Unifor, the union that represents the bulk of the employees at the gambling facility east of Orillia.

Gateway Casinos & Entertainment has the privilege of operating in cities and towns across Canada. As a company, we gain so much from each of these communities and believe it is our responsibility to give back, pitch in and provide support to those causes that matter most to our neighbours. On Friday, Gateway Casinos will officially open to the public its new $5 million table section at Georgian Downs, located south of Barrie near Highway 400 and Innisfil Beach Road. Along with more than 1,000 slot machines, the casino will now have 26 tables dedicated to blackjack, baccarat, roulette and poker.

Deb Tveit, who serves as the assistant to the president of Unifor and oversees the gaming sector for the union, said at the time she felt “the frustration and anger” of the employees.

Gateway Casino Barrie Ontario Canada

However, the collective bargaining agreement does stipulate that employee benefits are only to be covered for six weeks in the event of a temporary layoff.

But Tveit stressed these are “exceptional” circumstances and the union called on the company to step up and extend that coverage for the duration of the closure.

On Friday, the union did just that.

“We know it is a difficult period for everyone and we recognize the significant impacts experienced by all of our employees,” notes the internal memo from Gateway.

“It is now clear that there is a good chance the closure will remain in effect after April 30. Accordingly, we have decided to extend employee benefits, for those who are actively enrolled, to the earlier of when we re-open or June 30, 2020.”

The memo adds: “This will help ensure our impacted employees do not have to worry about such things as essential medications and urgent care needs.”

The announcement was applauded by Tshweu Moleme, a Unifor representative at the casino.

Gateway Casino Barrie Ontario Waterfront

“Many Casino Rama workers, hundreds of lives, union/non-union, can now get a break and not have more stress on top of what they’re already going through,” Moleme said.

“I could not sleep thinking about a member that kept asking what was going to happen with their heart medication without benefits,” he added. “This is indeed a time for all Canadians to have and show heart.”

Moleme thanked his “brothers and sisters, all my comrades and leaders in the labour movement who continue to press companies to do what’s right” during this pandemic.

• Rigorous health & safety procedures

• New reservation and virtual queue system to promote safe distancing

October 6, 2020 – Gateway Casinos & Entertainment (Gateway) is pleased to announce that it will re-open select properties in Ontario as part of the province’s Stage 3 guidelines. Beginning on Thursday, October 8, locations in Woodstock, Clinton and Hanover will re-open and all other Gateway locations – except for Casino Rama Resort – will re-open on Saturday, October 10. Under this framework, all properties will be restricted to the government mandated maximum of 50 guests, and will only include slot machines. Table games will not be operational and non-gaming amenities will be very limited.

At opening and in the coming days, we will be operating with a reservation and invitation system for our customers only. Due to the 50-customer capacity restrictions, properties will be open to invited My Club Rewards members only. Invited members will be notified by email with details on how to make reservations.

“We are excited to be able to re-open our Ontario properties and welcome back some of our team members and customers. The health and well-being of our employees and guests is our top priority,” said Tony Santo, CEO at Gateway Casinos. “We look forward to fully re-opening and welcoming more of our guests back in the future as capacities are increased and restrictions are lifted.”

Maintaining a clean environment is a year-round priority and it is regular practice to clean all hard surfaces, such as door handles and tables. Under the current environment, Gateway is being hyper-vigilant in our cleaning protocols throughout our properties to prevent the spread of transmittable illnesses, including COVID-19.

Gateway has implemented a new reservation and virtual queue system that will allow guests to book their play time online, check-in upon arrival and safely wait in their vehicles until we are ready for their entry. “This system will allow our staff to properly prepare the gaming floor for our guests, and ensure there is no congestion at the entrance as they wait to enter,” said Santo. “Things may look and feel a little different around the property, but we remain committed to making your visit enjoyable.”

For more information on the Company’s health and safety protocols, click here.

For re-opening information including details on all amenities and opening hours, please visit the individual property website or follow them on social media.

Media Contact:

Gateway Casinos & Entertainment:

Rob Mitchell

Director, Communications & Public Affairs

226-235-6548

About Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited

Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited (“Gateway”) is one of the largest and most diversified gaming and entertainment companies in Canada with 26 gaming properties in British Columbia and Ontario and two additional properties in Edmonton, Alberta. Across its entire portfolio, Gateway currently employs over 8,000 people and features approximately 421 table games (including 48 poker tables), 14,162 slots, 82 food and beverage outlets and 561 hotel rooms. A multi-pronged growth strategy has seen Gateway diversify and expand its product offering, including developing proprietary casino and restaurant brands, dramatically improving the gaming customer experience while attracting new customers. Some of Gateway’s proprietary brands include Match Eatery & Public House, Atlas Steak + Fish and the new Halley’s Club. In 2017, Gateway celebrated 25 years in the business ofgaming and entertainment in Canada. Additional information is available at www.gatewaycasinos.com.* All figures as at February 13, 2020