Mediator to speak with Caesars Windsor management and union Wednesday

Caesars Windsor and Unifor will talk tomorrow, but they're still not ready to get into detailed negotiations ona collective agreement.

As the city's casino strike enters its 54th day, amediator is coming in to speak to both Caesars management and the union representing2,300 workers.

President of UniforLocal 444Dave Cassidy, said the meeting is not "official bargaining" but an "exploratory" discussion.

"We're going to discuss what we feel the hang up is, and they're going to discuss with him what they feel the hangup is," said Cassidy. "We're going to see if we can come to some common ground and see if we can get back to the table and sort out an economic package to get everybody back to work."

Cassidy saidif it goes well and looks like both sides are ready to negotiate,he will call the union's bargaining committee immediately.

In the meantime, members are having internal round-table discussions, said Cassidy.

About 53 per cent of union members voted "no"to the second tentative agreement laid out for them on May 18.

The casino and hotel announced there would be more cancellations due to the strike andsome couples are scrambling for a solution or back-up plan for theirwedding bookings.