As reported by: Click On Detroit
A labor rally for workers at Casino Windsor has demanded more respect from management, an end to Ontario's Liberal government and for the casino's American managers to leave.

Unionized workers gathered on the riverfront across from Casino Windsor on Sunday in a show of support for striking casino employees. Between 2,500 and 3,000 showed up, according to police estimates. About 3,500 casino workers have been on strike since April 3.

The strike has been sending business to Detroit's three casinos on the other side of the Detroit River.

While the numbers fell short of the 10,000 expected, those present offered passionate outbursts of applause and a rallying cry for "solidarity."

Casino workers were joined by union colleagues representing French and English teachers, University of Windsor faculty, the public sector and Canadian Auto Workers locals from Ontario communities of Windsor, Chatham and Tilbury.

Casino employees, who do not give their names to the media, said the rally was a great morale booster.

"It's great to see people out supporting us. We would rather be working but we won't go back until there's an agreement our bargaining committee recommends," said one worker.

One dealer said despite losing a lot of money, the strike is something they had to do. Another said, "I never get a weekend with my family, so I don't mind being out. I'm prepared to stay out as long as it takes."

The two sides have failed to agree on a slew of contract issues including money, labor-management relations and pension improvements.

Gary Parent, president of the Windsor and District Labor Council and negotiator in the casino talks, expressed concern that none of the area's three provincial Liberals showed up for the rally.

He welcomed the attendance of several city councilmen and the city's two New Democrat Members of Parliament, one of whom called the Liberals cowards.

"When I see the provincial government hiding behind the casino door, saying, 'Hands off, we're not getting involved,' I say that is cowardice on their part," said Joe Comartin.

Buzz Hargrove, national president of the CAW, said he wanted Ontario casinos to be run by Canadians.

"We didn't do that because a group of Americans wanted to come to Canada and make a lot of money and take it home," Hargrove said to a cheering audience.

"I think Donald Trump's message should go to casino management and the government of Ontario: 'You're not doing it, you're not meeting the test, you're fired."'

Newspaper ads by Casino Windsor have also raised the ire of union leaders, who accuse management of trying to sidestep the union by outlining the company's position and its efforts as a fair employer.

"If they want to send their message to the Windsor Star to divide the labor movement, the labor community won't tolerate it," Ken Lewenza, president of CAW Local 444 which represents the casino workers, said as cheers erupted from the crowd.