Workers at the Hard Rock Casino in Rockford faced an important decision. They had to vote on whether to join the United Auto Workers (UAW), but ultimately decided not to.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) organized this special election for certain casino employees, like dealers and sportsbook hosts, to decide if they wanted UAW Local 1268 to represent them. If they had voted "yes," the UAW would have helped them negotiate things like pay and work conditions.
Out of 184 eligible voters, 128 participated: 90 voted against joining the union, while 38 voted in favor.
Since the majority of voters said "no," the UAW will not represent the Hard Rock Casino Rockford workers, at least for now.
And while this is going on, the Hard Rock Casino Rockford is putting in the midst of a plan to upgrade its facilities and services, just a year after launching its $300 million permanent casino.
Why the rush? A new competitor, the Ho-Chunk Nation casino complex, is expected to open next summer in Beloit, Wisconsin and the Hollywood Casino Joliet recently swung open its doors.. This is already creating pressure on Hard Rock to stay competitive.
UAW Held Rallies Leading Up To The Vote
Before the vote, there was a lot of activity.
Members of the UAW and their supporters held rallies outside the casino.
During these events, they marched with signs and shared messages about why joining the union could help workers get better pay, more secure jobs, and improved benefits. These rallies were meant to support the workers who wanted help with improving their work conditions.
UAW's Response to Hard Rock Casino Rockford Workers' Rejection
The UAW Local 1268, based nearby in Belvidere, usually represents auto industry workers but is now trying to help workers in other industries, such as casinos.
After the workers decided not to unionize, Matt Frantzen, the president of Local 1268, thanked everyone involved, including the workers and community supporters.
He acknowledged that not every effort to form a union succeeds, but stressed the importance of standing together.
What's Behind The Unionization Push at Hard Rock Casino Rockford?
This situation at Rockford is part of a larger trend.
More unions are trying to organize workers in the gaming and hospitality sectors because these jobs have not traditionally been unionized as much as others, like those in hotels or restaurants. Interestingly, at the same Rockford casino, other groups of employees are considering joining a different union called the Teamsters.
In fact, back in February, slot machine attendants at Hard Rock Casino Rockford voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 325. The move was approved by a 98 percent margin. It was considered to be a big step toward securing better working conditions.
Meanwhile, Hard Rock valet drivers and warehouse workers voted to unionize last year.
The Push by UAW Likely Not Over
The casino doesn't have to negotiate with the UAW for this group of employees. However, this doesn't mean the end of union efforts.
Workers can choose to try again in the future, as there are set rules for such timelines. Plus, with the groundwork already laid by the UAW and other labor groups, it's likely that we’ll see more union-related activities at the casino soon.
While this vote was a setback for the UAW at Hard Rock Casino Rockford, it’s just one chapter in the ongoing story of labor organizing in the casino industry.
For example, Horseshoe Indianapolis casino workers have been on strike for over two months, with over 200 table game dealers and other employees involved. And Union workers at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas conducted the longest strike in the city's history earlier this year to get their demands met.
Whether or not workers choose union representation, the discussion around working conditions is likely to continue.
