Wynn Las Vegas Full Time Table Dealers Join Union
Full-time table game dealers of the Wynn Las Vegas are now official members of the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America labor union.
The table game dealers of the Wynn Las Vegas have signed a new deal with a local union. The reason behind the unionization was to avoid having to share tips. Full time dealers of the casino are now part of the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America labor union. As members, the dealers are able to secure certain rights on the job at the casino.
Full Support to Sign with the Union
The table game dealers of the casino were in full support of signing with the UAW. A spokesperson for the dealers, Kanie Kastroll, stated that the employees of the casino voted heavily in favor of unionizing. The total vote count was not provided, but reports indicate that 96% of the workforce were in favor.
A three-year contract was signed with the UAW, and it provides the full time dealers with a few assurances for their positions. First and foremost, the dealers will not have to share tips with any other employee of the casino, including management.
This sticking point is a major win for the table game dealers. Veteran workers in this position have already been battling Wynn Resorts over tips and how they are distributed. Back in 2006, Steve Wynn, the founder of the gaming company, required that table game dealers share 12% of tips with immediate management members and pit supervisors.
This is of course unfair, mainly due to the fact that dealers are tipped for their personality or the kindness of the guest. The player is not tipping others who have no part in the hand they are playing. Back in March, the 15 year legal battle was finally sorted out and dealers were able to recoup lost funds.
The casino operator agreed to pay $5.6 million to cover lost tips that dealers would have received if they had not been forced to share with others. The amount of the lawsuit provides just over $4,000 per individual involved in the case.
The UAW did not start out assisting casino employees. However, the group expanded its options to other categories and now offers help to 40% of its membership outside the traditional rail, auto, air, and agriculture industries. The union has spanned out to other categories as well so that employees of varying industries will have support.
The UAW Gaming union serves employees in several states including Connecticut, Maryland, Nevada, Ohio, and more. The table dealer contract signed with Wynn Resorts only applies to the casino in Las Vegas. In general, union contracts with casinos will span five to 10 years. The shorter Wynn deal will most likely be reviewed after the three-year time period is up.
Additional Details of the Contract
Along with keeping tips, employees of the Wynn Las Vegas that serve as table game dealers, the shifts will be shortened. The bargaining agreement signed with the union allows dealers to take a break faster than normal.
Usually, table game dealers would work for 80 minutes in a row before receiving a 20-minute break. With the new terms, the dealers will be able to work for an hour and then go to break. This allows the employee to move around, go the bathroom, have a drink, etc.
The union also represents other casinos in Las Vegas including the MGM Grand, Bally’s, Caesars Palace, and Harrah’s Flamingo. The goal of the union is to ensure that employees are treated fairly by their employer and are able to receive the compensation and rights they deserve.
