Mississippi Casino Workers Unite with Teamsters for Strong Representation and Fair Wages
In a significant move toward improving workplace conditions, nearly 300 employees at the Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Mississippi, have voted to join Teamsters Local 667. This decision follows a card-check majority vote, with the involved group comprising housekeepers, food and beverage staff, and cocktail waitresses. The workers sought union representation to strengthen their bargaining power and enhance their working conditions and pay.
Tommy Blitsch, Director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division, stated, "We're expanding our footprint across the casino industry by standing with workers and delivering real improvements on the job." He emphasized the importance of organizing workers to raise industry standards, noting that this victory adds momentum for future organizing efforts.
James E. Jones III, the president of Local 667, warmly welcomed the new Teamsters members, highlighting their determination and readiness to support one another. He stated, "Each day, we build power by growing our membership, and this organizing victory is another step forward."
The workers, motivated by the potential benefits of unionization, signed authorization cards to become Teamsters with goals of securing higher wages, enhanced benefits, and better working conditions. Erica Guerrero, a cocktail waitress and proud new member of Local 667, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, "I have never felt more empowered. Now we have the strength to fight for fair wages and improved working conditions."
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, founded in 1903, represents over 1.3 million hard-working individuals in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. With a focus on securing fair labor practices, the organization has been a critical player in various industries, including hospitality. This recent unionization effort underscores the collective power of workers in advocating for their rights and well-being.
By joining Teamsters Local 667, Gold Strike Casino workers are taking a proactive approach to address their working conditions and leverage their collective strength for better outcomes. This moment is not just a local win but a part of a larger trend of workers across various sectors joining unions to secure their rights and improve their livelihoods. The Teamsters organization continues to support these efforts, aiming to raise industry standards and ensure that workers are treated fairly.
As an organization committed to advocacy and improvement, Teamsters Local 667 is poised to assist these new members in achieving their goals, demonstrating the vital role labor unions play in the modern workforce. With more workers rallying for their rights across the country, this movement reflects a growing understanding of the importance of collective bargaining power in the pursuit of fair treatment and justice in the workplace.