It wasn’t by a large margin but voting went against the unions at Trump Marina, Atlantic City last Friday. The United Auto Workers vowed to continue efforts to unionise all dealers following its 183-175 defeat, claiming it may have lost a battle at Trump Marina but was winning the war in New Jersey with votes going the union way at Caesars and Trump Plaza. Wynn Las Vegas also lost its bid to keep employees from unionising, following what seems to have been a mistaken decision to pool dealer tips with supervisors.

In California pressure from the unions is playing a part in stalling Governor Schwarzenegger’s tribal compacts in the Legislature. Yesterday a US$145.86 billion revised spending plan was released by state authorities - a budget that relies heavily on the tribal casino deals. The unions are pushing for agreements to ensure more union representation at tribal casinos, and they are not without influence in the Legislature. Issues over additional powers to regulate tribal casinos are also delaying approval of the compacts. The revised budget also calls for leasing the state lottery to a private company.

Casino management in general has long fought against employees joining unions. Recently the battle between casino operators and the unions has become more acrimonious, with charges and counter charges being laid with labour boards. Trump Entertainment is challenging the vote to unionise at its Trump Plaza, alleging improper influence. The UAW is alleging intimidation tactics were used to defeat it at Trump Marina. Petitions to represent dealers at Bally’s Atlantic City and Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort have already been filed. It remains to be seen if employers there can satisfy dealer demands without recourse to unions. (E-05.15.07)

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