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For Release: Sunday, March 18, 2007
Eighty percent of dealers at Caesars Atlantic City vote for union representation
First victory in city-wide organizing effort
ATLANTIC CITY – An overwhelming majority of workers at Caesars casino voted in favor of union representation. In an election conducted Sat., March 17, full- and part-time dealers, keno and simulcast employees voted 572 to 128 to become part of the UAW.
“We’re delighted for workers at Caesars. This huge victory is the first step in a larger effort by dealers across Atlantic City to form their own union,” said UAW Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth Bunn, who heads the union’s Technical, Office and Professional Department. “The next step is to work with Caesars management to secure a first contract that benefits casino workers and the gaming industry in New Jersey.”
The UAW has represented dealers, cage cashiers and slot technicians at Detroit’s three casinos since 1999.
“There has been a tidal wave of support from community leaders, legislators and dealers across Atlantic City, as well as from our members at Detroit houses,” said Joe Ashton, who directs the UAW’s Region 9, which includes New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. “Virtually all other workers at Caesars belong to unions. Now is the dealers’ turn, and we will work with them to secure a contract that provides them with better wages, better benefits and a voice in the decisions that affect them and their families.”
The new bargaining unit at Caesars includes table game dealers, keno and simulcast workers. Dealers’ issues include low pay, meager health benefits, no seniority rights and poor treatment on the job.
Caesars Atlantic City is owned by Harrah’s Entertainment Inc., the nation’s largest provider of gaming entertainment. Harrah’s also owns and operates Bally’s and Showboat in Atlantic City, in addition to numerous gaming hotels in Las Vegas and across the country.
The vote at Caesars is the first in a city-wide effort by dealers to form a union. Dealers at Trump Plaza vote in an election March 31, and dealers at several other casinos are actively involved in organizing efforts.