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Labor & Employment Law

: AFL-CIO NOW BLOG

Caesar?s Casino Dealers Ratify First Contract with UAW

By James Parks

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Three years after joining the UAW, dealers at Caesars casino voted overwhelmingly in favor of their first contract, the second such pactl approved by Atlantic City dealers in three months.

In August, casino dealers at the Tropicana Casino and Resort approved an historic first-ever contract for dealers in Atlantic City. The Caesar?s contract is similar to the Tropicana pact?both contain 18 percent raises.

UAW Vice President Joe Ashton, who heads the union?s Gaming Department, says:

The parties had a tumultuous relationship that has now developed into a mutually respectful partnership. Both sides have found the recipe for doing what is right in collectively recognizing that employee needs and concerns and employer needs and concerns go hand-in-hand.

Caesar?s and the Tropicana are two of four casinos in Atlantic City where thousands of workers voted to join the UAW in 2007. Full- and part-time dealers and slot techs at Trump Plaza and Bally?s also voted to form their own unions, but casino operators either have refused to bargain or stalled the negotiating process.

Says Scott Adams, UAW Region 9 director:

Given the economic impact our depressed economy has had and continues to have on the hotel and gaming industry in Atlantic City… an agreement that includes wage increases and other improvements is an agreement we are clearly proud of.

In a statement, New Jersey AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech and Secretary-Treasurer Laurel Brennan, say:

Although the dealers faced strong pushback from Caesars to begin with, the casino seemed to realize that by working with their employees, a better deal could be won for all parties involved. This success will not only provide the dealers with a voice at their workplace, but also allows the workers and their families to aspire towards a better life and benefit from the security that comes from a union contract.

Full post as published by AFL-CIO NOW BLOG on November 18, 2010 (boomark / email).