As Grand Prix weekend approaches in Montreal, Quebec, casino employees have gone on strike in order to demand higher wages. The strike, which began on May 24th, involves over 1,000 workers from the Montreal Casino and the Casino de Charlevoix. The employees are members of the Syndicat des employés des casinos du Québec (SECQ), and are demanding a wage increase of 3.5%, as well as improved working conditions.

The SECQ has been in negotiations with the casinos since March, but have been unable to reach an agreement. The union has stated that the casinos are not offering enough of a wage increase to keep up with inflation, and that their working conditions have not improved since their last contract expired in December 2018. The union has also noted that the casino industry is highly profitable, and that the employees deserve a fair share of the profits.

The strike has had a major impact on the Grand Prix weekend festivities. The Montreal Casino, which is located near the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve racetrack, is one of the main attractions for tourists during Grand Prix weekend. With the casino closed due to the strike, many tourists are being forced to find alternative entertainment options.

The strike has also caused a great deal of disruption for local businesses. Many restaurants and bars near the casino rely heavily on casino customers for business, and have seen a significant drop in revenue since the strike began.

The SECQ and the casinos are continuing to negotiate, but it is unclear when an agreement will be reached. In the meantime, the union is urging tourists to support local businesses during Grand Prix weekend, and to show solidarity with the striking casino employees.