Horseshoe Indianapolis Casino Workers Strike amid Federal Shutdown

While the timing of this labor action could cause disruptions for the casino, workers remain adamant that the measure is necessary to ensure fair representationImage Source: Shutterstock.com

Over 200 casino workers atHorseshoe Indianapolishave launched a strike, walking off their jobs over stalledunion recognition effortsthat have been thrown into limbo by the ongoing federal government shutdown. Their demands primarily focus on strengthening their collective bargaining rights, with no further demands yet announced.

Employees Want to Have Their Voices Heard

The workers, mainly comprised of table game dealers and dual-rate supervisors, were scheduled to hold a votelast Fridayto decide whether to joinTeamsters Local 135. However, the initiative was put on hold indefinitely after the National Labor Relations Board(NLRB), which is responsible for administering union elections, was unable to continue its operations due to the lack of federal funding.

Workers feel that with the NLRB out of commission, they haveno viable pathtoward formal unionization. While the National Labor Relations Act(NLRA) grants workers the right to organize, there’sno wayto hold or certify elections, count votes, or resolve disagreements without the NLRB’s administrative functions.

Dustin Roach, president of Teamsters Local 135, was adamant that the federal shutdown was no reason to deny workersunionization rights. The union, which represents slot attendants and warehouse employees at the venue, proposed that the election proceed as planned, with oversight by a neutral third partyinstead of the NLRB. According to Roach, management has refused that suggestion.

The Federal Shutdown Significantly Complicates the Process

The strike at Horseshoe Indianapolis is unusual, as it ngakes place before the workers are officially unionized. Strikes most often occur afterunsuccessful negotiationsor disputes due to unfair labor practices. However, in this case, employees hope that the walkouts will pressure management to voluntarily recognizethe union or agree to an alternative voting process.

The NLRB’s closure has delayed labor actions in all pending cases nationwide, potentially creating a significant backlogonce funding resumes. Labor attorneys are adamant that employersmust respect workers’ organizing rights during the shutdown, even if enforcement is temporarily suspended. Despite the mass walkouts, dealers and floor staff maintain that their actions seek to promote fairness and accountability, not cause unnecessary disruption.

Local labor leaders have described the situation in Indiana as an example of how organizing efforts can proceedeven in the absenceof federal oversight. With no official election date in sight, employees have announced they willcontinue to strikeuntil management agrees to negotiate or a resolution is reached.