#United States #Teamsters #Black Hawk #Bally's

Bally's Black Hawk Casino Workers Unite with Teamsters

In a groundbreaking development for labor rights, a group of 110 workers at Bally's Black Hawk Casino in Colorado has successfully organized with Teamsters Local 455. This monumental move marks the first time that casino workers in the state have opted to unionize, setting a significant precedent.

The initiative commenced through a card-check process, allowing employees a straightforward route toward selecting their union representation. Tommy Blitsch, the Director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division, expressed pride in the newfound unity among the casino workers, stating, "The workers at Black Hawk Casino came together to secure a stronger voice on the job, and they've made history in the process."

With their unionization, these employees, who encompass various roles including cooks, cashiers, bartenders, servers, and maintenance technicians, aim to advocate for better wages, improved benefits, and enhanced working conditions. This historic event reflects the growing momentum among workers in various industries striving for fairness and dignity in their employment.

Dean Modecker, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 455, articulated the significance of this unionization. He stated, "This is an important moment for workers in Colorado and the entire casino industry. Our brothers and sisters at Local 455 are excited to welcome the newest bargaining unit to our family. And we're ready to represent and protect them in the fight for a fair first contract."

The journey towards unionization for these workers did not happen overnight. In November 2025, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Bally's reached a historic neutrality agreement which paved the way for the card-check process employed by workers. This agreement allowed Bally's employees to select Teamsters representation simply by signing authorization cards.

Alexander Balza, a housekeeper and newly minted member of Local 455, expressed optimism about the changes that unionization could bring: "We saw an opportunity to make things better at work, and we took it. These changes will make a real difference not only for us but for our families as well."

Bally's Black Hawk operates multiple casino properties in the area, showcasing over 540 slot machines, 33 table games, and a prominent poker room. With the addition of organized labor at this facility, there is hope that better working conditions and a stronger employee voice could resonate across the gaming industry.

As of now, the Teamsters represent nearly 6,000 members working within casinos and casino hotels nationwide, fostering a stronger message about worker solidarity and resilience. The success of these workers might inspire others in the casino and hospitality sectors to consider unionization, advocating for their collective needs and rights.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters continues to support over 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. For more information on this historic victory and ongoing union activities, visit Teamster.org. Follow their updates on social media platforms such as X and Facebook.

The efforts of the Bally's Black Hawk Casino workers emphasize the power of collective action in the face of challenges, reminding laborers everywhere that they can unite to carve a path toward a better future. This historic achievement is not just a local milestone, but a significant step forward in the broader narrative of labor rights and unionization across the country.