The upcoming Oakland Athletic baseball stadium may force the Tropicana to close its doors for up to two years, threatening the livelihoods of its staff. Faced with this looming issue, the Culinary Union stood firmly on the side of the workers, pledging to protect their rights and support them in the event of a closure. While the ballpark project is still in its infancy, the union’s clear message should help alleviate the concerns of Tropicana employees.

The Ballpark Project Can Have Substantial Repercussions

Oakland Athletics’ recent announcement of a $1.5 billion Las Vegas stadium project reverberated across the industry, drawing mixed responses. Such a high-profile endeavor should significantly bolster tourism, drawing in sports fans and benefiting all surrounding properties. However, the planned stadium’s proximity to the iconic casino hotel means the Tropicana may temporarily need to close during construction.

A FAQ document by project partner Bally’s Corporation revealed that the Tropicana could cease operations between 18 to 24 months. The company issued an update soon after, clarifying it would keep the property open for as long as possible. However, a temporary closure will likely still be necessary, endangering the livelihoods of the venue’s approximately 120 employees.

Employee Rights Seem in Safe Hands

While Bally’s reiterated its commitment to supporting its employees, the Culinary Union also immediately stepped up, vowing to protect workers in the event of a closure. The union, representing thousands of hospitality workers in the region, has long been a staunch advocate for labor rights and fair treatment within the industry.

Such a pledge is a proactive measure to protect employees’ livelihoods and rights during any potential Tropicana downtime. Any laid-off workers should receive free job training, retain their benefits, and have guaranteed rehiring opportunities once the property reopens. Culinary Union secretary-treasurer Ted Pappageorge reiterated the organization’s commitment to negotiate a fair agreement with the venue.

Culinary Union members at the Tropicana Casino have a strong union contract, which means that Tropicana workers are protected.

Ted Pappageorge, Culinary Union secretary-treasurer

The Tropicana Las Vegas has been integral to the city’s vibrant hospitality landscape for decades. While the potential closure may cause substantial short-term disruptions, the Culinary Union’s efforts will ensure that employee rights will receive adequate protection. If the stadium project is successful, the long-term benefits should significantly outweigh the few months of closure.

The post Culinary Union Vows to Protect Worker Rights in the Event of Tropicana’s Closure appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Orilla Matters reported that in a sudden turn of events, all Gateway Casinos and Entertainment properties, including Casino Rama located in Orillia, have been shut down due to a system-wide malfunction on April 16. According to the company’s statement, all gaming facilities in Ontario would remain closed until further notice.

Patrons Left Disappointed as Gateway Casinos Close Unexpectedly

The Facebook statement posted on Sunday read: “All Gateway Ontario sites will close due to a system-wide malfunction until further notice.” No further information was provided on the nature of the malfunction or when the casinos would resume operations.

At 1 p.m. on Sunday, a sudden closure of multiple locations occurred, including Casino Rama in Orillia, the Cascades Casino in Chatham, and nearby Gateway Casinos in Sarnia, London, Woodstock, and Clinton, as well as the Playtime Casino in Hanover. The duration of the closure remains unknown and the facilities will be closed until further notice.

The closure has left many patrons disappointed, as the Casino Rama was one of the most popular gaming destinations in Canada. The Casino Rama Resort’s hotel and Weirs restaurant, however, would remain open despite the shutdown, according to the statement.

Employees Left in the Dark as Gateway Casinos Remain Closed

The sudden shutdown of all Gateway Casinos and Entertainment properties has also raised concerns among employees. The company has not released any further statements regarding the situation, leaving many to wonder about the cause of the system-wide malfunction and the timeline for the resumption of operations.

Casino Rama opened its doors on July 31, 1996, and it has been continuously operating 24/7 until the pandemic shutdown in 2020. 

Gateway Casinos and Entertainment, which operates the Casino Rama, is a major Canadian gaming and entertainment operator. It has its headquarters in Burnaby, British Columbia. With a current count of 23 casinos spread across Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta, it has grown significantly since its inception. 

The company is currently owned by The Catalyst Capital Group Inc., a private equity investment firm that started in 2002. Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited is one of the largest and most successful casino and entertainment companies in Western Canada, employing over 3,000 employees and operating 12 facilities, a remarkable increase from its humble beginnings with only 2 facilities and 150 employees back in 1992.

The post System-Wide Malfunction Forces Closure of Gateway Ontario Sites appeared first on Keno Wizard.