Summary
- None of the casino applicants have agreed to union negotiations.
- Chicago Federation of Labor says no proposal should be approved until a labor agreement is signed.
- Some casino applicants reportedly have plans to sign union agreements.
The issues surrounding bringing a casino to Chicago just continue to build up. First, the casino proposals by Hard Rock International, Bally’s and Rivers were heard by neighbors of areas where the venues would be constructed. The plans were met with heavy criticism.
Then, the alderpersons of Chicago chimed in and most have an issue with one or more plans. Now, it seems the Chicago Federation of Labor is also on the opposition train, calling out the casino companies for not signing labor agreements with unions.
No Negotiations with Unions Yet
It is not uncommon for a casino in the United States to work with a union. In Las Vegas and Atlantic City, unions are heavily present in the casino and hospitality sector. During a recent City Council committee meeting, the Chicago Federation of Labor showed up and stated that none of the proposed casino projects involved union negotiations.
President of the federation, Robert Reiter Jr. (pictured), stated that the alderpersons should not approve a casino proposal until a labor agreement is in place. Reiter told the committee that it doesn’t help to bring in millions in revenues if thousands of marginalized employees are living below the poverty line.
According to Reiter, if the operators agree to work with unions, it will ensure that employees earn a living wage. The president called the lack of discussions a slap in the face to unions in the city that is considered the hometown of the labor movement.
Reportedly, only one of the three applicants have shown an interest in negotiations, but Reiter will not state which company that is.
Casino Operator Response
Not long after the statements were made by the Chicago Federation of Labor, the casinos hoping to invest in Chicago spoke up. Rush Street Gaming CEO Tim Drehkoff, representing the Rivers project, stated that the group has every intention to negotiation with labor unions.
Bally’s vice president of corporate development, Christopher Jewett, commented that the company has already engaged with the federation and are working towards an agreement. Jewett stated that Bally’s has strong relationships with unions in other states and will treat Chicago the same. Hard rock has not provided a comment on the matter as of yet. We expect they will have the same response as its competitors.
It seems as if every week there is new drama in the attempt to bring a casino to Chicago, Illinois . If everyone cannot get on the same page, the process may be pushed back even further than planned, which only puts the city further behind in bringing in much needed funds.
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