Editorial: Unions are infiltrating tribal casinos

Monday, June 4, 2007  

"Employees everywhere are feeling the pinch of the increased cost of doing business in America. So it is not surprising that the United Auto Workers and other unions are organizing workers at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Almost since the casino opened in 1992, there have been complaints from some Foxwoods' workers about inadequate wages, lousy shifts, the increased cost of benefits, and even seemingly trite matters like access to on-site lockers for their personal belongings.

But past attempts to organize the casino workers have failed. This time, however, the effort seems to have legs. One reason is a recent court ruling that said Native American tribes must comply with rules of the National Labor Relations Board, including workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively. Tribes disagree, arguing their sovereign status, and they're fighting the ruling.

But meantime, the unions are infiltrating Foxwoods, and probably Mohegan Sun, too. They see opportunity at the two Native American Connecticut casinos, which collectively employ more than 21,000 people.

Whatever the outcome of the organizing effort, both sides should strive to make the process fair and free of any intimidation. If the required 30 percent of Foxwoods' employees sign authorization cards, and a vote to unionize is held, it will be the workers who decide their future. And in America, that's the way it ought to be."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Workers' Rights (The New London Day 6/3)