Las Vegas Dealers Become Unionized

Submitted by Gary on Mon, 2010-03-15 at 19:23

Wynn Las Vegas and its dealers are finishing up their talks about unionization. They have informed the public that they have yet to agree on how long the contract will be in effect for but have gotten all the major issues resolved.

Las Vegas Dealers Local 721 is a newly formed, innovative union as groups have never successfully formed one in the past. Other casino workers are unionized but there have always been discrepancies with dealers. The last time an attempt was made was 2001, almost 10 years ago. Las Vegas dealers are currently a division of the Transport Workers’ Union of America.

In these meetings, the majority of dealers are satisfied with the outcome but there will always be several people who are not. The purpose of a union is not to satisfy everyone but to make the best decisions according to the majority. The union negotiates rules on dividing the casino’s tips, vacation and sick days and pay, among other things.

Las Vegas dealers can expect to have the union in place by the summer of 2010 barring any unforeseen legal issues. The ruling was initially expected in January but the hearing was pushed to April in order to give the Nevada Labor Commissioner time to review all of the legal proceedings. Under the union, all rules will be clearly defined which will help both dealers and casino owners to settle any potential disputes over union matters.