UAW at Foxwoods Files Historic Petition with NLRB for Union Election

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.allamericanpatriots.com/48733826_unions_uaw_foxwoods_files_historic_petition_nlrb_union_election

Monday, October 01, 2007, NORWICH, Conn. -- Today the UAW at Foxwoods, UAW Region 9A, filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) seeking to represent Foxwoods Resort Casino dealers. Union cards were signed by a supermajority of the estimated 3,000 dealers employed by Foxwoods.

“I’ve worked at Foxwoods for 14 years and I like my job, but Foxwoods is not the place it used to be. The past few months have been challenging. We’ve literally talked to thousands of our co-workers. We’re convinced our union, a voice on the job, will result in fair wage increases, better health benefits and most of all respect,” says Mary Johnson, a table games dealer.

Steve Peloso, a 15-year poker dealer is excited: “We have waited for this day for a long time. There have been too many abuses by management: Co-workers have gotten sick on the job and are then forced out. Health benefits get worse every year. We’re fed up, and we’re doing something about it.”

Speaking to the impact of this campaign on the state’s economy, Lori Pelletier, Secretary-Treasurer of the Connecticut AFL CIO says, “This is the largest organizing effort in Connecticut in decades. Union jobs are good jobs. When workers in a company this large secure better pay and benefits, it results in a stronger state and regional economy. This is a real shot in the arm for casino workers in Connecticut and across the country.”

Foxwoods gaming employees approached the UAW for help in organizing in March. Dealers were particularly frustrated by a management public relations campaign surrounding f5 percent wage increases. Many workers received pennies instead of the promised increase. The pay increase controversy coincided with a federal circuit court decision that extended the rights and protection of the National Labor Relations Act to tribal casino workers.

Raises are not the only concern, however. UAW at Foxwoods members cite health and safety and deteriorating health care coverage as major issues. “Starting pay for Foxwoods dealers is about $4.50 an hour. Most of our income comes from customer tips,” says Peloso. “Foxwoods takes in billions, yet labor costs are extremely low. There’s absolutely no excuse to cut our health care. We should have the best health care money can buy.”

FULL story at link.