Foxwoods dealer's union called a first in tribal law
A tentative two-year agreement between the Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Enterprise and UAW Local 2121 will go to an approval vote this Friday and, if approved, will become the first casino dealer contract negotiated under tribal law. The contract will represent 2,500 casino dealers at the Foxwoods Casino and will guarantee the dealers a 12% raise over the two years, implement a system for more evenly-divided tips, change a substantial number of 'casual' positions into full-time jobs with benefits, establish a seniority system, extend sick leave time, and require a non-smoking section of tables in the casino. The UAW says it is very pleased with the agreement and hopes that it will set a precedent allowing labor agreements to be negotiated and drawn up at other Native American-owned casinos and businesses. Casino employees to be covered by the union expressed pride in being a part of the first labor contract in a tribal nation.
See "Foxwoods dealer's union called a first in tribal law", Katie Johnston Chase, The Boston Globe, January 26, 2010