The Pickering Casino strike drew national attention this weekend as Unifor delegates gathered in Ottawa for the union’s 2026 Canadian Council.
In an August 29 update, Unifor said representatives of Local 1090 spoke to delegates about the ongoing labour dispute at Pickering Casino Resort and Casino Ajax. The union reported that more than 900 members at the two Durham Region casinos have been on strike since July 31.
Casino Workers Receive Support at National Council
Delegates stood in solidarity with striking and locked-out workers from several industries and regions. Among the speakers was Samuel Ho, chairperson of the Casino Ajax and Pickering Casino Resort bargaining unit.
Ho told the gathering that casino workers had fought over similar issues four years earlier and were still fighting today. His remarks placed the local Durham dispute within a broader discussion about wages, job security, working conditions and the right to strike.
The Canadian Council brought together more than 1,000 Unifor members, local leaders, activists and guests at the Rogers Centre in Ottawa from August 28 to 30. The event focused on protecting Canadian jobs, strengthening bargaining power and supporting workers involved in active labour disputes.
Pickering and Ajax Strike Remains Active
Unifor’s August 29 report continued to describe the Pickering and Ajax casino workers as being on strike. The union did not announce a tentative agreement or a return-to-work date in that update.
The labour action began at 12:01 a.m. on July 31 after contract talks between Unifor Local 1090 and Great Canadian Entertainment did not produce a new collective agreement. The bargaining unit includes workers in gaming, food and beverage, housekeeping, transportation, cash operations, shipping and receiving, and other roles across the two properties.
For background on the start of the dispute and its effect on casino operations, read our earlier report: Ajax Pickering Casino Strike Affects Nearly 900 Workers.
Why the National Attention Matters
The appearance at Canadian Council gives the Durham casino workers a national platform and connects their negotiations with labour disputes elsewhere in Canada. Unifor’s council also heard from striking workers in manufacturing, transit and energy, as well as locked-out casino security officers in Toronto.
For Pickering and Ajax residents, the update confirms that the casino labour dispute remains an active local issue one month after the walkout began. Any future tentative agreement would normally need to be presented to union members for a ratification vote before a new contract could take effect.
Visitors should continue to confirm current hours, available amenities, entrances and transportation services directly with the casino before travelling, since operating conditions can change during a labour disruption.
Official Source
This update is based on Unifor’s August 29, 2026 Canadian Council report: “Welcome to the Fight”: Unifor Canadian Council Opens With Call to Protect Canadian Jobs.
PickeringCasino.co will continue to follow verified developments involving Pickering Casino Resort, Casino Ajax and Unifor Local 1090.