For the first time in nearly 20 years, workers at Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino are making a renewed effort to unionize.
A report by the Niagara Gazette states that employees at the popular Native American casino in Niagara Falls, New York, claim that some workers are being fired for issues that typically warrant only a warning. Additionally, other employees are asking for fair pay raises and job security measures.
The group is now collaborating with Teamsters Local 449, which represents workers across various industries in Erie and Niagara counties, including freight, construction, and transportation.
If they succeed, about 3,000 venue employees could get better protection and pay raises.
Seneca Niagara Helped Revitalize Niagara Falls
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino opened on December 31, 2002. The Seneca Nation of Indians operates the casino through the Seneca Gaming Corporation. They built it on the former site of the Niagara Falls Convention and Civic Center to boost the local economy with more tourism and jobs.
Since opening, the resort has attracted many visitors from the Northeast and beyond, becoming a top spot for gaming and entertainment. It offers a large gaming floor, several restaurants, an events center, and a hotel.
The success of Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino shows how the Seneca Nation's efforts have helped revive the local tourism industry and promote economic growth.
What Does the Current Seneca Nation Agreement Allow?
The Seneca Nation's gaming agreement with New York State allows them to run Class III gaming facilities in Western New York. They give 25% of their revenue from slot machines and other gaming devices to the state.
However, the agreement doesn't mention anything about allowing employees to unionize. Currently, they operate under a temporary agreement, signed in December 2023, which renews every three months while they negotiate a new one.
If at least 30% of a company's employees agree to union representation or sign a petition, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) must hold an election to see if the majority supports the union. Employers can also initiate unionization if their employees express interest in being represented.
20 Years Since Last Unionization Attempt
In 2004 and 2005, labor cases were filed with the NLRB against the casino and Seneca Niagara Gaming Corp. These cases accused them of using coercive actions, firing employees, and denying access to company property.
At that time, employees of Seneca Niagara Resort attempted to join forces with local unions, such as the Hotel Employee and Restaurant Employees Union and Teamsters Local 375. However, the effort failed due to concerns about whether the National Labor Relations Act applies to employees of casinos and resorts on Native American land.
This time around, organizers are hoping for a much different result.
