The American Federation State County Municipal Employees (AFSCME) District Council 36, which represents 60 local unions and 20,000 union workers, has joined a growing anti-Proposition 26 coalition.
In addition, AFSCME Local 773, Local 3624 and Local 3947 have also joined forces to oppose the measure.
Prop 26 is a piece of legislation put forward to the California Government by tribal casino representatives. It proposes to amend the state constitution, to guarantee tribal casinos exclusivity over roulette, craps and sports, adding to their current perceived monopoly on slot machines.
Prop 26 is perhaps a response to Prop 27, legislation pushed by gaming operators that would allow for sports betting legalization. This would give commercial operators full access to the lucrative Golden State.
Opponents to Prop 26 argue it could result in a $500m potential loss of tax revenue for California communities. They say it would jeopardize more than 32,000 jobs, $1.6bn in wages and risk $5.5bn in total economic impact. California cities rely on commercial gambling revenue for resident services such as public safety, housing and homeless programs.
AFSCME Local 36 Management Chapter Manager Shavon Moore-Cage commented: “Proposition 26 puts $500m in local tax revenue at risk due to the poison pill that will bankrupt community card rooms. And when city revenue is slashed, public employee jobs like mine are on the line.
“I got laid off when our local card room had to close during the pandemic. And I don’t want any more of my union brothers and sisters to suffer that same fate – especially when it can be avoided.”
Prop 26 opponents have accused California tribes of trying to weaponize the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) so it can be used against tribal casino operators’ legally-operating competition.
AFSCME District 36 joins organizations such as the California Contract Cities Association, Gateway Cities Council of Government, and many mayors and elected officials in opposing Proposition 26.
