Although many of the dealers were once represented by the TWU, the UAW hit a potential jackpot as four casino’s Las Vegas dealers voted to unionize again.
On Sunday, according to Casino.org, table dealers at Bally’s, Harrah’s, Paris and The Wynn in Las Vegas approved joining the UAW to have the 84-year-old union represent them in labor negotiations.
Las Vegas dealers at Caesars are also voting in a NLRB election as well, according to a UAW statement on its website.
The election comes less than two months after the Transit Workers Union, which had previously represented many of the dealers, made the unusual move and disclaimed interest in representing dealers in Las Vegas.
In a late-January letter to the dealers (in full below), the TWU—whose history in Las Vegas began in 2001—told its members, “You are no longer represented by the TWU of America.”
The TWU then explained that the United Auto Workers “will be a great fit for casino dealers,” before urging the members to vote for the UAW.
Michael Weaver, chief communications officer at Wynn Resorts, told Casino.org that the new relationship would have “not much impact on the company.”
The election victories in Las Vegas expands the UAW’s “footprint” in the casino industry into the western United States.
The UAW still has to succeed in negotiating a contract in Las Vegas. However, unlike the TWU, the UAW does, at least, have some experience in the industry.
TWU Letter to Las Vegas Members
January 28, 2019
Dear Local 721 member,
The leadership of Local 721 has requested to be disaffiliated from the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU). Their request has been fulfilled. You are no longer represented by the TWU of America.
Disaffiliation is not something that the TWU takes lightly, and this course of action is unprecedented. However, our International Executive Council recognizes that this is an extremely unique situation. Foremost in our decision is that the casino industry is not among the core sectors where the TWU organizes.
With the disaffiliation having been granted, Local 721 members should strongly consider joining the United Auto Workers (UAW). Unlike the TWU, the casino industry in Las Vegas in directly in the core of the UAW’s focus and they will be a great fit for casino dealers. The TWU has invested several million dollars in support of Local 721 over the years and the UAW is committed to continuing the same type of support that only a national union is capable of.
The UAW is also a hugely important affiliate of the national AFL-CIO. It’s important that Local 721 remain part of the House of Labor and not be an island unto itself. I encourage you to vote “Yes” for UAW representation.
The TWU wishes you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
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