The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan continues to defend its gaming enterprise from the jurisdiction of the National Labor Relations Board.
Tribes aren't mentioned anywhere in the National
Labor Relations Act. But the NLRB held held that the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort falls under the law due to its "commercial"nature.
In contrast, state and local governments aren't subject to the law. "But all of a sudden, the Native American community is being treated differently than any other government," tribal attorney Sean Reed told Reuters.
The tribe is challenging the NLRB's jurisdiction before the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.
If the outcome differs from a 2007 case that went before the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals,
the issue could end up before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Get the Story:
High Stakes For Tribal Casinos In Court Fight Over Labor Rights
(Reuters 9/15)
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