#United States #Shelbyville #Teamsters Local 135 #Horseshoe Casino

Horseshoe Casino Workers Strike in Shelbyville

On October 17, 2025, more than 200 dealers and dual rate employees at Horseshoe Casino in Shelbyville, Indiana, commenced a strike aimed at securing recognition for Teamsters Local 135 as their bargaining representative. This workforce, which splits its duties between dealing games and supervising the casino floor, has found itself in a challenging labor dispute.

Delayed Election Leads to Unrest

Initially, these workers were set to vote on their membership with Teamsters Local 135 on the same day they began striking. However, the election was postponed indefinitely due to the ongoing government shutdown, creating a void in their path to union representation. In response, Teamsters Local 135 suggested bringing in a neutral third-party mediator to facilitate the election, a proposal that Horseshoe's management denied. Feeling unsupported and with no other alternatives, the workers elected to strike for their rights.

Demonstrating Solidarity

The strike, occurring just outside Horseshoe Indianapolis on North Michigan Road, has attracted attention from fellow Teamsters, community members, and local media. Workers have been seen holding picket signs and banners, declaring their demand for strong union representation and fair negotiations. They face a challenging environment, but their resolve remains firm as they stand united in their pursuit of justice in the workplace.

A spokesperson from Teamsters Local 135 stated, “Our members deserve a voice. We stand together not just for employee rights, but for the integrity of the labor movement.” This sentiment resonated deeply among those in attendance at the picket line as they rallied for the recognition they seek.

Implications for Teamster Representations

The stakes are high not just for the workers at Horseshoe. This strike underscores a broader trend within the gaming and hospitality industry, where labor unions continue to seek greater representation and rights. As negotiations in similar workplaces progress, what happens in Shelbyville could serve as a bellwether for future labor actions across the nation.

For the employees at Horseshoe, the fight is about more than just recognition; it symbolizes their collective strength and the importance of union representation. The Teamsters stand ready to support these workers in their fight for a fair bargaining process and better working conditions.

What Lies Ahead

As this situation develops, all eyes will be on both the Horseshoe management and the striking workers. It remains to be seen how negotiations could shift with the involvement of external parties, and whether the union will gain the recognition it seeks. Currently, the strike continues, and workers remain hopeful that their persistence will lead to meaningful change.

In summary, the ongoing strike at Horseshoe Casino is emblematic of a crucial moment in labor relations within the gaming sector. The fight for union representation is far from over, and it will surely resonate throughout the labor movement in the months to come.