Labor Hits Jackpot (states largest employer claimed sovereignty)

[Omaha Steve]

Source: In These Times

Indian casino unionizes in Connecticut despite tribal claims of sovereignty
By Melinda Tuhus

Foxwoods Resort Casino rises from the hills of rural southeastern Connecticut like a gambler’s Oz.

It is one of the country’s biggest Indian casinos and it is the largest employer in the state, with 10,000 workers. Of those employees, about 2,600 are dealers of games such as poker and blackjack. And on Nov. 24, 2007, many of these dealers placed a bet on a better life with the United Auto Workers (UAW).

That’s when 83 percent of workers eligible for the bargaining unit voted by a 60-40 percent margin to join the union.

It’s the first election at an Indian casino to be overseen by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which made a groundbreaking ruling last year that allowed Indian casinos to be unionized. But casino management has appealed the vote, claiming it violates tribal sovereignty.

Read more: http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/3487/labor_hits_jackpot/

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Remember when W couldn't define the word sovereignty?

[Roland99]

1. Ayup....sure do!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=B5xVRXLgLxw

[ladywnch]

2. still one of my favorite sound bites! LMAO