Rivers Casino Portsmouth Workers Make History with Union Contract

This development marks the first successful unionization effort of casino workers in Virginia, potentially inspiring others to follow in their footstepsImage Source: Shutterstock.com

Workers at Rivers Casino Portsmouthhave made state history by becoming the first casino employees in Virginia to ratify a union contract. This development marks a significant victory for organized labor in the state’s gambling sector. The employees, represented by Teamsters Local 822, approved the deal with 95% of the votes, securing significant gains in wages, benefits, and job security.

Workers Spent Months Organizing

The contract delivers an average15.95% salary increaseduring its duration, in addition to employer-paidhealth coverage, expanded paid leave, and protection from at-will termination. For many workers, the agreement marks not only a financial win but also a hard-fought recognition of their collective power.

Rivers Casino employees note that the new agreement bringsmuch-anticipated security. In addition to the substantial benefits, workers now have a way to make their voices heard, ensuring fair representation. James Wright, Teamsters Local 822 president, added that this successful unionization would set a standard for fairness across the state’s gaming industry.

For the first time, Virginia gaming workers have a legally binding union contract that delivers guaranteed raises, strong benefits, and just cause protections.

James Wright, Teamsters Local 822 president

Teamsters Local 822, which represents over 3,000 employeesin the Tidewater area, noted that the victory was the result of months of coordinated organizing. In just a few months, employees have secured what many are calling a model agreementfor future negotiations across the state. The union hoped that more casino workers would follow Rivers Casino’s example and band together.

Casino Sector Unionization Marches On

The Portsmouth agreement aligns with abroader trendof labor organizing in the US casino sector. Spurred bychallenging economic conditions, workers are increasingly turning to unions to demandfair pay and predictable schedulingin a business known for its unpredictable hours and tip-based pay.

Just last month, cage cashiers atEncore Boston Harborin Massachusetts voted overwhelmingly to joinTeamsters Local 25. Meanwhile, more than 200 employees at Horseshoe Indianapoliswent on strike after management refused to recognize their union amid complications caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown. With theNational Labor Relations Board(NLRB) paralyzed, unionization efforts nationwide have suffered.

The victory in Portsmouth could extend beyond Virginia. Industry experts note that this decisive move demonstrates how unionization can ngake hold even in states without a strong traditionof organized labor in the gaming sector. Virginia only legalized casino gambling in 2020, and Rivers Portsmouth, which opened its doors in January 2023, was the state’s first permanent casino.