In total, 52 valets at the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey have voted to join The Teamsters union.
The workers joined forces with labor union Teamsters Local 331 to fight for their right to have a voice at work.
The group also plans to secure higher wages, better benefits, improved job security and fair working conditions. Preparations are underway to negotiate their first contract.
Speaking of the decision, a valet cashier at Ocean Casino Resort and member of Teamsters commented: “We decided to organize because we deserve more respect on the job. Management felt they could do things without any input from us. We wanted to get some power back and have a voice. We still have a lot of work to do, but we are excited and ready to fight for a strong first contract.”
The Ocean Casino Resort employees join over 5,000 casino workers represented by the Teamsters union nationwide.
Teamsters is an affiliate of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and represents workers in New Jersey.
Director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show and Casino Division Tommy Blitsch said: “Valets at Ocean Casino were fed up with the status quo and are ready to fight for the benefits and protections afforded by a Teamsters contract. We look forward to winning a first contract. This is a big victory and will be a stepping stone for other non-union workers at casinos in Atlantic City.”
The news comes in the wake of casino workers banding together through The Culinary and Bartenders Unions in Las Vegas to negotiate a contract with 21 casino resorts.
The union, representing 7,700 hospitality workers, has set a deadline of February 2 2024 to finalize negotiations before a strike will take place.
