AC casino workers celebrate string of union victories

The huge waves hitting Atlantic City, N.J., have nothing to do with the beach that’s right next to the many casinos in this famous ocean-side city.

It’s actually waves of support for the UAW from casino workers who want to join the union to help them in their fight for fairness and dignity on the job. Caesar’s full- and part-time dealers, keno and simulcast employees were first, voting overwhelmingly in March to become part of the UAW. They were soon followed by other Atlantic City casino workers at Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino and Bally’s. In August, workers at Tropicana Casino and Resorts and slot technicians at Caesar’s voted for the UAW.

They’re clearly building a movement in Atlantic City and it’s spreading to other areas. Foxwoods Resort Casino in Norwich, Conn., in October petitioned the National Labor Relations Board for an election after a “supermajority” of workers signed union cards. The dealers, keno and simulcast workers at Caesar’s are now moving to the next step: bargaining a first-ever contract.

They’ve met with management three times since opening negotiations Aug. 9.

“The reality is that the majority of our building is a union place,” said Caesar’s dealer Tom Brady, referring to unionized jobs such as housekeeping, hospitality and maintenance. “We’re not asking for anything anybody else doesn’t have.”

Joe Ashton, director of UAW Region 9, which includes Atlantic City, said the bargaining team at Caesars has the full support of the International in its quest for a first contract.

“We’re going to make the companies respect the wishes of the workers at Caesars and other Atlantic City casinos who want dignity and fairness on the job, and we won’t rest until we’ve accomplished that,” Ashton said.

Playing to win

Workers at four Atlantic City casinos have voted this
year for UAW representation, and workers in Connecticut are
also organizing. Here’s a rundown:

Caesar’s: Dealers won 572-128 in March and bargaining is under
way. Slot technicians won their election 20-11 in August.
Trump Plaza: Won 349-149 in March. The company is appealing an
NLRB ruling for workers. A bargaining committee has been
formed.

Bally’s, Wild West and Claridge: Won 628-255 in June. Company filed objections. The bargaining committee has been elected.

Tropicana: Won 626-157 in August. In the process of forming
committees. Slot technicians petitioned Sept. 10 for election.

And in Norwich, Conn., Foxwoods Resort Casino workers petitioned for election Oct. 1 after a supermajority of dealers signed cards requesting UAW representation.