More than a year after contract negotiations began, some 2,500 casino dealers at Foxwoods Resort Casino and MGM Grand in Connecticut, members of UAW Local 2121, have a tentative settlement for a first contract. Foxwoods/MGM, owned by the Mashantucket Pequot tribe, is the largest gaming complex in the country.

If ratified, the contract would provide an average 12 percent increase in wages over two years and establish a more equitable distribution of tips. The contract also creates what the union describes as “an industry model” for job safety, including programs to reduce repetitive stress injuries, a major extension of medical leave time for workers out with serious illnesses for more than six months and a unique 24-table “smoke-free pit” for workers and customers.

Says Denise Gladue, a 15-year dealer at Foxwoods:

This is a great victory for us. This preserves our basic benefits during a tough economy, provides job security and contract improvements in so many areas. We see this agreement as a win-win for employees and for the future success of the casino.

After the tribe resisted recognition of the union, the National Labor Relations Board issued a bargaining order in September 2008. The UAW negotiated an agreement to send the negotiations into arbitration after five months if no progress was made. Both sides agreed to continue negotiations after the five-month deadline expired.

The Employee Free Choice Act’s arbitration provisions would have prevented these long negotiations and encouraged both sides to come to the bargaining table to reach fair settlements sooner. The legislation provides the mediation and arbitration assistance to help settle a contract when a company and a newly certified union cannot agree on a contract after three months.

UAW Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth Bunn adds:

When the Foxwoods dealers asked for our help three years ago, we promised we would stand with them. This successful effort will be an inspiration to gaming workers throughout the United States.