Four Queens workers vote in favor of unionization

Thursday, April 17, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

More than 460 Four Queens workers, or about 70 percent of the cooks, food servers, maids and porters, have voted to be represented by the Culinary Union in contract negotiations.

An independent arbitrator verified the vote that officially certified Culinary Local 226 as bargaining representative for Four Queens employees for the first time since the union lost a 1984 election following a 15-month strike.

"I wasn't in office when we lost it back then," said Jim Arnold, Culinary secretary-treasurer. "But when you get it back, it's quite exciting.

"We applaud the management of the Four Queens for recognizing the wishes of the workers. We've seen how some other casinos in this town refuse to do that, but this management has really gained the respect of the workers."

The Four Queens has been managed by Riviera Gaming Corp., a subsidiary of Riviera Holding Corp., following the bankruptcy reorganization of Elsinore Corp. in late 1996.

Four Queens General Manager Marty Gross said Riviera Gaming management had agreed to allow the Culinary to solicit workers after Feb. 28.

"We're unionized at the Riviera, and that was part of our agreement with them," he said. "We assured them of neutrality throughout the process."

Arnold said the Culinary will negotiate a new Four Queens contract with Riviera Gaming "along with everyone else in the downtown area" when the current contracts expire May 31.

Downtown Las Vegas casinos generally wait to study the agreements signed by Strip casinos before serious negotiations begin.