Workers at Casino Regina are getting ready to trade poker chips for picket signs.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada, which represents about 425 dealers, cashiers, slot attendants and security guards, said Wednesday that its members will walk out of the casino and go on strike Thursday at 6 p.m.
Union spokeswoman Fran Mohr said the casino has also issued a lockout notice that will start at the same time.
"You will see our members leaving the casino. They will be closing their tables, closing their desks and they will be gone and walking off the job," said Ms. Mohr.
Ms. Mohr says the workers have never gone on strike in the 14-year history of Casino Regina, but she says contract talks reached an impasse. The workers have been without a contract since the end of May 2009.
Ms. Mohr says wages are a key concern at the casino, which is operated by Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation, a Crown corporation. Most employees make between $13 and $16 an hour, she says.
"Since Casino Regina is one of the largest tourist attractions in Regina - and Saskatchewan for that matter - this corporation makes millions of dollars in profits each year that are handed over to the provincial government. This is a Crown corporation with employees who are paid much lower than their counterparts for other Crown employers," says Ms. Mohr.
"We're just looking for a fair deal," she says.
A message left for communications staff at Saskatchewan Gaming was not immediately returned.