UAW facing rough road in unionizing A.C. dealers

[Earth Bound Misfit]

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/106/story/225210.html

ATLANTIC CITY - The United Auto Workers union started its pitch in early 2007 to do what some considered the impossible: organize casino dealers in a city where past attempts had failed.
But despite some notable victories for the Detroit-based union in the past few months, and even a high-profile rally this summer, its bid to help win contracts for dealers has proven to be an uphill struggle - one with no guarantees, observers say.

"It's clear that the industry does not want dealers to unionize," said Philip Harvey, a Rutgers University professor of economics and law who studies unions. "It's cheaper for them to operate without a union contract."

The UAW has been negotiating dealer contracts with Tropicana Casino and Resort and Caesars Atlantic City, although the union has accused the casinos of dragging their feet. Tropicana and Harrah's Entertainment, which owns Caesars, have said they are negotiating in good faith.

While the union won separate elections at Bally's Atlantic City and Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, both properties filed objections with the National Labor Relations Board disputing the results. In both cases, the board certified the results in favor of the UAW. Bally's and Trump Plaza, however, are now declining to negotiate, UAW officials say.

Trump Plaza spokesman Tom Hickey told The Press in July that the casino "very simply (does) not believe that the union represents an un-coerced majority or that the election results are valid."
Later that month, Trump Entertainment suffered a setback with its Trump Marina Hotel Casino property when a federal labor judge ruled the casino engaged in "objectionable conduct" during a May 2007 organizing campaign among dealers. The UAW accused the casino of threatening and intimidating employees who wanted to organize and favoring those who were anti-union.

The judge is ordering a second election. But that is likely to be put on hold because Trump Marina plans to appeal, Hickey has said.

Harvey, the Rutgers professor, said appealing and dragging out negotiations is a common tactic by employers.

"From a strategic perspective, engaging in misconduct in election campaigns or in negotiations in contracts makes all kinds of sense," he said. "The union is saying, 'We'll fight for you.' But what can the union show for it? It might not be the union's fault, but it erodes the union's support among employees."


"engaging in misconduct in election campaigns or in negotiations in contracts makes all kinds of sense"

ONLY IN AMERICA FOLKS, ONLY IN AMERICA.

[DainBramaged]

1. Don't we know it!