Casino workers overwhelmingly reject union

Friday, Sept. 1, 2000 | 11:01 a.m.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

OSCEOLA, Iowa -- Workers at Lakeside Casino Resort overwhelmingly decided against unionization Thursday.

The vote was 182-31 against representation by Local 177 of the Laborers International Union. A simple majority was needed. Of the 750 workers, 229 were eligible to vote, including workers assigned to housekeeping, slot machines, food and beverages. Card dealers were among those not eligible to vote.

Casino managers had held meetings to provide employees with information to counter union organizers.

The vote ended months of fighting that included the National Labor Relations Board accusing management of unfair labor practices. A hearing on the charges, which are being challenged by the casino, is scheduled for October.

Union organizers had accused the casino of breaking promises of good pay and benefits for workers. Some employees earn $6.50 an hour and cannot afford the $300 to $400 a month for family health insurance, said Jesse Case, the union's organizing director.

The Clarke County Development Group, which represents Osceola-area businesses, is the non-profit group that holds the casino's gambling license. The group was among those urging employees to reject the union.