Hard Rock Casino Rockford Slot Attendants Vote to Join Teamsters Union
Workers at Illinois' Hard Rock Casino Rockford, who operate slot machines, have decisively chosen to affiliate with the Teamsters Union.
The latest vote passed with 98%, as stated in a union social media update. The employees will be connected to Teamsters Local 325.
The newly launched casino boasts around 1,300 slot machines and a high-limit area with numerous extra slots.
The union asserted that Hard Rock management dissuaded employees from joining the union, but Hard Rock Casino Rockford President Geno Iafrate responded that the company was open to discussions with unions and trade organizations.
Laborers Displayed Resilience
After the vote, union representatives and employees rejoiced in the affiliation.
“I congratulate these workers for showing resilience and voting to join our Teamsters family,” Erick Calvert, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 325, said in a statement released on Tuesday.
"Despite an aggressive anti-union campaign, they sent a clear message to Hard Rock management that they are serious about winning the dignity, respect, and strong contract they deserve,” he added.
Up until now, the union has not disclosed the salary hikes it aims for or other improvements in working conditions it seeks.
Teamsters Local 325 now represents valet and warehouse employees at Hard Rock Casino Rockford.
The newly joined union members are enthusiastic about starting talks with management.
“We are proud to call ourselves Teamsters and look forward to negotiating alongside our brothers and sisters in valet and the warehouse,” Siara Raymer, a slot machine attendant at Hard Rock Casino Rockford, said in a statement.
Fed Up With Status Quo
“All of us were fed up with the status quo and knew it was time to stand our ground,” Raymer added. “Now, we are ready to fight for what we deserve.”
The casino, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, is situated 80 miles to the west of Chicago.
Teamsters Local 325 represents over 1,000 workers in northern Illinois, encompassing freight and sanitation drivers, dock staff, public sector employees, maintenance crews, and administrative personnel. Across the nation, the Teamsters advocate for over 5,000 workers employed in casinos and gaming positions.
In general, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters refers to itself as “the largest and most diverse union in America.” It comprises approximately 1.3 million members across both private and public sectors, including construction employees in Las Vegas.
In Canada and Puerto Rico, there are nearly 1,900 Teamster affiliates outside the US.
