Key Moments:
- The government shutdown has paused the plan by over 200 Horseshoe Indianapolis table game dealers to hold a unionization vote
- Teamsters Local 135 proposed a third-party oversee the vote, but casino management has not responded
- Table game workers have been authorized to strike until Caesars addresses the request for independent vote oversight
Union Efforts Hit Roadblock Amid Shutdown
A government funding lapse has thrown a wrench into unionization efforts by table game dealers at Horseshoe Indianapolis, a casino managed by Caesars Entertainment in Shelbyville, IN. Over 200 employees are seeking representation through Teamsters Local 135, which already advocates for various sectors including airlines, warehouses, and the gaming industry.
The group had scheduled a vote for Friday, Oct. 17, on whether to join the Teamsters. With the government’s shutdown cutting off funding for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which is responsible for overseeing such union elections, these aspirations have been put on hold.
Push for Third-Party Vote Oversight
Teamsters leadership suggested that a neutral third-party, rather than the shuttered NLRB, administer the upcoming secret-ballot vote. While the union claims to have reached out to casino officials to accept this alternative, they report the casino has not replied.
Caesars operates 65 table games, 1,500 slots, and a Caesars Sportsbook at the Horseshoe Indianapolis property, which also offers live and parimutuel horse racing.
Strike Backed by Union
Dustin Roach, President of Teamsters Local 135, indicated that table game dealers seeking unionization now have clearance to strike beginning today and will continue until Caesars considers the request for an independent vote count on Oct. 17. He stated, “Casino management has ignored the proposal while escalating an aggressive union-busting campaign,” as reported by the Indianapolis Business Journal. While it is unusual for workers without union recognition to strike, Roach suggested it is necessary to push for a transparent voting process.
Ongoing Impacts of the Government Shutdown
The shutdown began on Oct. 1, leaving approximately 750,000 federal workers without pay. Essential employees, such as air traffic controllers and TSA, must continue to work despite the halt. While a 2019 law guarantees back pay for them once the government resumes normal operations, most NLRB workers are not classified as essential and are affected by the funding freeze.
The NLRB, tasked with upholding the National Labor Relations Act of 1935 and supervising union-related matters, has largely ceased operations. As the agency stated, “The National Labor Relations Board is closed due to a lapse in appropriated funds resulting from a government shutdown. Most functions have been suspended, with limited activities only for emergencies involving the safety of human life or the protection of property.”
Political Stalemate Extends Disruption
Attempts to reopen the government have failed in seven Senate votes, prolonging this, the 11th shutdown since 1980. The article notes that the longest on record lasted 35 days in 2019.
| Key Players | Details |
|---|---|
| Horseshoe Indianapolis | Owned/operated by Caesars Entertainment; 65 table games, 1,500 slots, Caesars Sportsbook, live horse racing |
| Teamsters Local 135 | Union representing 12,000 workers, proposed third-party union vote oversight |
| NLRB | Federal agency overseeing union elections; mostly closed during shutdown |
- Author
Daniel Williams
