Gaming workers grow strong with UAW representation

More than 8,800 gaming industry workers across six states are members of the UAW, including Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey and Rhode Island.

From casino dealers and slot technicians, keno and simulcast workers in Detroit and Atlantic City, to jai alai players in Orlando, we are the UAW.

"I can tell you first hand: A good contract for workers and a successful casino go hand in hand," said Tina Phillips, a back of the house banker at MGM Grand in Detroit and chair of their Local 7777 bargaining unit.

"We negotiated our first contract in 2000, and two more since then, with good pay, a grievance procedure and secure benefits. Having a union contract works for us," she added.

UAW Local 7777 members at Greektown Casino in Detroit understand the benefits of having union representation, even in hard times. In early 2009 they negotiated an agreement that not only saved jobs, but also maintained health care.

In 2007 casino dealers and supervisors organized with the UAW at Foxwoods Casino and Resorts in Connecticut, one of the largest casinos in the world. Also in 2007, dealers, full- and part-time dual rates, and slot technicians organized at four major casinos in Atlantic City: Bally's, Caesars, Trump and Tropicana.

UAW members work in these gaming industry facilities:

• MotorCity Casino, Detroit
• Greektown Casino, Detroit
• MGM Grand Casino, Detroit
• Casino Aztar, Evansville, Ind.
• Florida Gaming
• Orlando Jai-Alai
• Dania Jai-Alai
• Bally’s, Atlantic City
• Caesars, Atlantic City
• Tropicana, Atlantic City
• Trump Plaza, Atlantic City
• Newport Grand, Rhode Island
• Foxwoods Casino Resort, Norwich, Conn.