"Indian casinos, long beyond the reach of federal labor laws, have been told by the National Labor Relations Board that no longer applies. The ruling, likely to be challenged in federal appeals courts across the country by tribes, could have a bearing on the employment of 20,000 workers at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun.

The decision involved the San Manuel Band of the Serrano Mission Indians of California and the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union. The union was attempting to organize at the tribe's casino. When the tribe asked the NLRB to dismiss the case on grounds that the NLRB had no authority on an Indian reservation, the board disagreed."

Get the Story:
NLRB decision may aid unions at tribal casinos (The Norwich Bulletin 6/10)

National Labor Review Board Decisions:
San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino | Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation

Federal Court Decisions:
NAT'L LABOR RELATIONS BD v. SAN JUAN PUEBLO (10th Circuit January 11, 2002) | NAT'L LABOR RELATIONS BD. v. CHAPA DE INDIAN HEALTH PROGRAM, INC (9th Ciruit January 16, 2003)

Relevant Links:
San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino - http://www.sanmanuel.com
Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union - http://www.hereunion.org

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Labor board ruling draws sharp barbs from tribes (6/9)
Labor board's tribal ruling a surprise to many (6/8)
Board rules tribes subject to labor law (6/4)
Arbiter allows pro-union flyers by tribal employees (03/26)
Pro-union hearing blasts Calif. tribe for sovereignty (03/17)
N.M. tribe seals winning case on labor laws (12/09)
Settlement pending in tribal labor dispute (08/07)
Court denies tribal exemption from labor laws (01/17)
Tribal labor bill draws complaints (04/18)
Pueblo wins sovereignty case (1/14)