More than 140 employees went on strike Monday at Caesars Southern Indiana Hotel and Casino.
The work stoppage began after the property reopened. Flooding from the Ohio River quickly closed the on line casino.
Teamsters Local 89 officers and the property, which is owned by VICI Properties and operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, haven’t been capable of comply with a contract throughout negotiations over the previous couple of months. The union’s present contract expired a month in the past.
“We’re going to hold management accountable for their greed and blatant disrespect,” union president Avral Thompson mentioned. “It’s time for the people who run this casino to recognize the workers who make their profits possible. We’ll do whatever it takes to win what our members deserve.”
Negotiations Stall
The transfer to strike comes simply a few weeks after union members licensed the usage of a strike. Workers have argued that the on line casino has seen record-breaking income just lately, together with $240 million in income in 2024, however none of that income has been given to the employees.
“None of us wanted to strike, but management forced our hand,” Heather Emily, a cage cashier on the on line casino, informed native media. “All we’re asking for is the ability to support our families and retire with dignity. This property makes more than enough money to do right by us.”
The union represents a small share of the on line casino’s greater than 900 staff. After the union licensed the strike, on line casino administration mentioned that the corporate had negotiated in good religion and wished to achieve an settlement with employees.
“Caesars Southern Indiana remains committed to the collective bargaining process and continues to negotiate in good faith with union representatives,” casino representatives noted in a statement. “Caesars Southern Indiana looks forward to continuing productive discussions and remains optimistic about reaching a mutually beneficial agreement in the near future.”
There have been a number of work stoppages at casinos nationwide over the previous couple of years.
In 2024, 30,000 Las Vegas Culinary and Bartenders union employees hit the picket line.
A 12 months earlier, employees at a number of giant Las Vegas properties reached a labor deal simply earlier than a deliberate strike. Virgin Hotels reached an settlement with employees earlier this 12 months after a contentious 69-day strike.
In December 2023, Detroit on line casino employees spent greater than a month on the picket line earlier than they reached an settlement with town’s three industrial casinos.