UNITE HERE Local 25, the Richmond hospitality workers union, released a statement supporting an amendment to the Virginia State Senate budget.
On Tuesday night, the union backed an amendment that prevents an additional referendum in the city until November of 2023. The union's support stems from concerns regarding Urban ONE, the organization behind the project. The union believes that Urban ONE would create low-paying jobs with deficient benefits.
Sam Epps, the Political Director of UNITE HERE Local 25, said “With skyrocketing costs of living and our recovery from the pandemic well underway, casino workers in Virginia need jobs that pay good wages and benefits,”
Epps went on to note that workers of the industry are already “disproportionately affected” due to societal status. “Workers need to understand how they will benefit from new casino development before it moves forward.”
In a plea to the House of Delegates, Epps said “We urge the House of Delegates to concur with the Senate’s budget amendment for further study of new gaming development. Whether this casino is built in Richmond or Petersburg, it should be built in a way that benefits the community and the Commonwealth, not simply enriches a developer.”
In January of 2022, Richmond City Council voted to bring back a referendum on the casino project proposed by Urban ONE. The CEO of Churchill Downs showed interest in backing the project after acquiring Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, Urban ONE’s potential partner.
Epps continued to stress the concerns of the union by stating “While we are grateful to City and Mayor of Richmond for their shared commitment to creating good jobs, we are concerned that Urban One may not share their goals.”
