PSAC "Fights Back" against Slots at Racetracks Program Cuts

TORONTO, Jan. 11, 2013 /CNW/ - The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) is putting pressure on the Liberal Government's decision to end the Slots at Racetracks Program, which will create devastating job loses in the horse racing industry.

The PSAC "Fight Back" campaign will launch this Saturday January 12^th, at the Liberal Party's Barrie Leadership Delegate Election Meeting. PSAC members who work at Georgian Downs Racetrack will be pressuring Ontario's Liberal leadership hopefuls to announce their support for the Slots at Racetracks Program and their intention to ensure that good jobs are part of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation's (OLG) modernization plan.

If the Slots at Racetracks Program is cut, these Georgian Downs Racetrack workers will lose their jobs as part of a greater industry-wide collapse.

"Over 80 workers and their families are dealing with the insecurity and stress of losing their jobs.  This government is playing games with the livelihoods of these families and taking more good jobs away from this community," states Sharon DeSousa, PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President for Ontario.

"What is truly heartbreaking is that none of this is necessary and these families are suffering because the government is failing to realize it's cutting a program that works for everyone."

On Saturday, PSAC members from Georgian Downs will be distributing flyers to Liberal delegates as they enter the meeting to draw attention to the serious consequences of ending the Slots at Racetracks Program.

What:	PSAC Launches Fight Back Campaign to Save Slots at Racetracks Program
When:	Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 2:30 PM
Where:	Days Inn, 60 Bryne Drive, Barrie, ON

As part of its 2012 austerity budget, the provincial government announced its plans to eliminate the Slots at Racetracks Program, a decision set to take place in March of 2013.  The Liberal Government, in conjunction with the OLG, intends to replace the more than $1 billion in annual revenue earned by the Slots at Racetracks Program with casinos across Ontario.

SOURCE: Public Service Alliance of Canada - Ontario

Lino Vieira, PSAC Communications Officer, Cell - 416-577-0238 ([email protected])