Developer to use union labor

Thursday, May 8, 2003 | 10:06 a.m.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Narragansett Indians and their Las Vegas-based casino partner have a tentative labor agreement with the Rhode Island Building Trades Council for a proposed West Warwick casino.

The deal would require Harrah's Entertainment Inc. of Las Vegas to employ mostly union construction workers from Rhode Island on the project, if it's ultimately approved.

Council President Ron Coia on Tuesday said many details, such as the percentage of Rhode Island workers to be employed, must be worked out.

The project needs approval by voters. Lawmakers also must agree to put the question on the statewide ballot. Coia insisted, however, the labor agreement is not premature.

A House bill would let voters statewide decide this year whether a casino should be allowed in the state, but without knowing the developer or location.

The tribe says voters should be given a specific project to consider. On that issue, they have an unlikely ally in Republican Gov. Don Carcieri, a casino opponent.

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