US casino staff to join union

2007-10-08 13:45:18

Several unions are trying "to organize dealers and other casino staff" according to the Wall Street Journal.

The workers, based in Las Vegas, apparently contacted unions earlier this year with the main issue involving tips.

Casino dealers have resisted joining unions in the past because they traditionally earn more than other workers.

However, due to casinos "becoming more corporate", they have now decided that they need a larger organisation to protect their rights.

Blackjack dealer Leon Paesani told the paper: "Now you're dealing with human resources people, managers and lawyers. So you need to be part of a team that also has resources."

The union issue has been top of the agenda in Las Vegas for most of the year, with a lot of the talk surrounding the Wynn Casino.

Workers have alleged that Wynn threatened to fire staff for joining a union, however, this has been vehemently denied.