LEDYARD, Conn. -- Casino dealers at Foxwoods, the largest private employer in the state of Connecticut, have voted YES in favor of union representation. The vote was 60 percent in favor and 40 per cent against.
“We are elated. Today, we voted to form our union,” said Billy Shea, a dealer at Foxwoods since it opened. “As part of the UAW, we look forward to sitting down with management to negotiate a fair contract that secures our future, and the future of our casino.”
The election was held from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 24. The ballots were counted at the close of voting, and the results announced at 2 a.m. today.
“Casino dealers at Foxwoods came together because we deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” said Sherry Lee, a nine-year table games dealer. “Our success is an example of what can be accomplished when people work together. Casino dealers sent a clear message today: We are united, regardless of race, ethnicity or language. We stayed strong and voted YES for a say in our working conditions."
“We’ve reached a decision: A majority believes we need a union to improve our workplace,” said Jacqueline Little, a 15-year poker dealer. “Now, we all have a chance to come together as part of one strong organization. Everyone’s input is important in bargaining a strong contract.” “We’re ready to work with management to make Foxwoods better,” said Mary Johnson, a 14-year table games dealer. “We want good, secure jobs and a good union contract – just like workers have in other casinos.”
“We’re delighted to welcome the Foxwoods workers into the UAW. They’ve done a great job planning and carrying out a successful campaign to form their own union,” said Robert Madore, director of UAW Region 9A, which includes Connecticut and other New England states, as well as New York City and Puerto Rico. “The next step in building democracy in the workplace will be for Foxwoods workers to elect a bargaining committee for contract negotiations.”
The new bargaining unit will include about 2,600 dealers and dual-rate dealers at Foxwoods.
“We’re proud to assist casino workers at Foxwoods, who are joining a national movement for workplace justice,” said UAW Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth Bunn, who directs the union’s Technical, Office and Professional (TOP) Organizing Department. “Dealers all over the country are joining together to improve their jobs -- and the industry as a whole is growing at the same time.”
The casino dealers at Foxwoods join thousands of gaming employees who are already UAW members in Detroit, Atlantic City, N.J., Newport, R.I., and Evansville, Ind. Within the past month, UAW members in Detroit have ratified new contracts at the city’s three casinos, which are investing over $1 billion in new and renovated facilities.
