Fans of Canada’s biggest horse race had to wait a little longer yesterday to place their bets at Woodbine Racetrack. Striking Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) employees delayed cars lining up for the Queen’s Plate.
About 100 security guards, who work in the track’s casino and belong to the Canadian Auto Workers union (CAW), have been on strike since May 31. Employees of Casino Brantford, which has been shut down by the strike, joined them on the picket line.
Eastbound traffic on Rexdale Boulevard was backed up at least a kilometre to the Highway 427 on-ramp.
Talks between the union and the OLG broke off last week. OLG is offering unionized workers a three-year contract with wage increases of 2 to 4 per cent.
Union officials say other issues include split shifts and a move to make full-time staff part time.
