A labor union that is challenging the sovereignty of tribes in California has filed suit against another union for trying to organize tribal casino workers.

Unite Here, a hotel workers' union, accuses the Communications Workers of America of violating an agreement to stay out of tribal affairs. Unite filed the suit in federal court in Washington, D.C., and is also asking the AFL-CIO to intervene.

Unite Here has been trying to organize tribal casino employees in southern California but its tactics have generated criticism from tribal leaders. The union is behind a controversial case before the National Labor Relations Board that held that tribes who employ non-Indians and affect non-Indians are subject to federal labor laws.

Get the Story:
Unions War Over Tribal Casinos in California (The New York Times 5/4)
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National Labor Review Board Decisions:
San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino | Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation

Relevant Links:
National Labor Relations Board - http://www.nlrb.gov

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