July 18th, 2017

NDP calls on Wynne to play fair with OLG workers

 Ontario NDP Labour Critic and Welland MPP Cindy Forster is calling on Kathleen Wynne’s government to ensure its Crown corporation, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) end the lockout of the workers at the OLG's Woodbine Racetrack. 

“The Liberal government is out of touch with Ontario workers. Wynne doesn’t seem to understand that workers and their families are counting on these jobs. The OLG, a Crown corporation that ultimately takes its directive from the government, should be a leader when it comes to employment standards -- especially at a time when the government is hearing from the public on various labour and employment initiatives. Instead, the Liberal premier has allowed the Crown corporation to lock out over 400 workers and leave them and their families stranded,” said Forster.

Over 400 workers at the Slots at Woodbine Racetrack have been without a contract since the spring of last year. This is the fifth lockout since the OLG's so-called modernization process, with workers at the Rideau Carleton Racetrack site facing an almost six-month long lockout during the holiday season last year. 

“Last year, we saw this Wynne Liberal government attempt to disguise the privatization of Hydro One as ‘asset optimization.’ Now, its OLG’s privatization plans, disguised as ‘modernization’ plans, will effectively expand private sector delivery of lottery and gaming,” said Forster. “We know that this is simply another way to privatize our lottery and gaming sector. There is no doubt that privatizing these facilities and pushing the OLG down this path will make life more unaffordable for so many working families.

“By forcing workers out of their jobs, the Liberals are grooming their assets to make them more attractive to private sector buyers in this so-called modernization scheme.”