American casino operator Jack Entertainment has revealed that it expects to begin contract negotiations next month with 55 dispatchers and security guards at its Jack Cincinnati Casino following the workers’ November decision to join a union.
According to a report from local television broadcaster WCPO-TV, the November 10 ballot resulted in the employees voting by 32 to 14 to join the International Union, Security, Police And Fire Professionals Of America and followed an organizing campaign that had lasted over two years. The decision means that some 800 employees, who represent around two-thirds of the downtown casino’s workforce, are now a member of a union.
The organizing effort came after 183 current and former casino supervisors at the Ohio casino won a $775,000 settlement after accusing the venue’s former management of failing to pay the required overtime. However, this preceded Detroit-based Jack Entertainment’s decision to end its partnership with Caesars Entertainment Corporation, which had operated the Ohio property as the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati until a June re-branding exercise saw it re-christened as the Jack Cincinnati Casino.
Gayle Joseph, a spokesperson for Jack Entertainment, told WCPO-TV that she expects a “smooth” transition for the Cincinnati casino’s newest bargaining unit as the company, which was known as Rock Gaming until February and also operates the Jack Cleveland Casino and the Greektown Casino-Hotel, has a “strong” relationship with its employees.
“Although we have not started the contract negotiations, we anticipate a smooth process and a successful outcome for all of us,” Joseph told the Hamilton County broadcaster.