Casino workers at Caesars Southern Indiana are officially on strike, following a breakdown in contract negotiations with the casino’s management and its owner, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). The move comes after months of bargaining efforts and a firm ultimatum issued by Teamsters Local 89.

No response to union deadline triggers walkout:

On Saturday, April 12, union representatives gave Caesars Southern Indiana and EBCI until noon to accept the proposed contract terms. When neither party issued a response, the union declared that the lack of action signaled a deliberate refusal to address worker concerns. In a statement reported by WHAS11, Teamsters Local 89 described the silence as “a lack of care and respect for the workers who make them the most profitable casino in the state.”

The union emphasized that striking was not the preferred course of action. Their demands, they noted, were far from excessive. “None of our members’ demands are unreasonable, such as having the ability to one day retire with dignity,” the Teamsters said. “This strike is a direct result of the Company’s greed, lack of empathy, and the unfair labor practices they have committed since the contract expired.”

The strike was announced as the casino remained temporarily closed due to flooding from the Ohio River. However, the facility is expected to reopen once conditions improve. When that happens, union members plan to maintain a picket line at the casino’s entrance. The Teamsters have issued a strong call to action, asking fellow union members and the broader public not to cross the picket line and to support the strike through a complete boycott of Caesars Southern Indiana until the labor dispute is resolved.

In its press release, Teamsters Local 89 also issued a broader appeal: “We are calling on all union members, allies, supporters, and the community at large to stand with our members by refusing to cross our picket line and to boycott Caesars Southern Indiana until the strike has ended.”

Union stands behind workers:

Throughout the statement, Teamsters Local 89 voiced strong support for its membership. The union committed to backing workers with the resources needed to endure the strike and reiterated the righteousness of the cause. “Your fight is a righteous one, and our entire union will provide you with the resources you need to win,” the statement read. “As long as you remain determined and united, you cannot be defeated. Stand your ground, hold your heads high, and fight for what you deserve. We are going to win this fight no matter what it takes.”

Although Caesars Southern Indiana has not publicly responded to the union’s remarks or strike announcement, the conflict underscores a broader push across the U.S. labor landscape for fairer contracts, particularly in the hospitality and gaming sectors where profits often continue to rise even as workers demand improved benefits and security.