In casinos, the absence of clocks means dealers set their phone alarms for noon. Anxiety was palpable among them, with some feeling so overwhelmed they were ill before their shifts began.
When the alarms went off, the dealers raised their hands, closed their game tables, and declared a strike. “It was the most powerful moment I’ve ever experienced,” recalled dealer Tera Arnold, feeling goosebumps all over. “Everyone erupted in joy.”
Outside, striking dealers celebrated with colleagues from different backgrounds. “The energy and joy were surreal as we gathered together,” said dealer Dakota Massman. “It was a moment of true human solidarity.” As of October 17, the dealers at the Horseshoe Indianapolis Casino in Shelbyville, Indiana, were striking for union recognition.
A THROWBACK STRATEGY
This bold move hearkens back to a time nearly 90 years ago when such tactics were commonplace for forming unions. Yet since the 1935 National Labor Relations Act, the standard approach has shifted to seeking a government-supervised election if an employer doesn’t acknowledge majority support for unionization. The 200 dealers at the Horseshoe Casino planned this route, demonstrating majority support to join Teamsters Local 135, but faced setbacks when their election set for October 17 was postponed due to a federal government shutdown.
POOR WAGES
A main grievance among dealers is their meager pay, which ranges from $5 to $7 an hour, with tips being their primary income. Management’s overstaffing further dilutes tips, leading to significant wage reductions. “Our workforce surged from 120 to 200 dealers,” Massman explained, indicating nearly $1,000 less monthly in pay for employees. Highlighting poor conditions, Arnold recounted working through a flood during a gas leak last Christmas, while other departments were allowed to leave.
GROWING STRIKE
A significant number of dealers are now on strike, covering all entrances, as the casino’s operations falter amid escalating discontent. With strike pay bolstering their efforts, dealers receive $1,000 a week, aiding their prolonged protests. Teamsters across various sectors have supported their cause, refusing to cross picket lines and contributing to operational struggles at the casino.
PICKET LINE SOLIDARITY
While the majority of dealers are striking, cross-sectional union members at the casino lack protections against honoring picket lines, a situation that has saddened those involved. Instances of retaliation against supporting strikers have highlighted this issue, emphasizing the need for secure contract provisions in the future.
CAESARS’ FINANCIAL BURDEN
As the largest group of workers at the casino, dealers possess critical skills that are difficult to replace. Despite hiring managers and reallocating staff from other departments, the casino struggles to run efficiently. Arnold noted that newly hired substitutes receive significantly higher pay, emphasizing the financial implications of the strike for management.
A PROUD STRUGGLE
In a region where the Horseshoe Casino stands as the largest employer, it frequently faces backlash from its workers. The city has even attempted to suppress striking efforts, but the determination of strikers remains resolute. “I’ve never been prouder of the collective effort,” Massman stated. “This is how working-class unity should manifest, and it feels rewarding to advocate for those around us.”
