ELIZABETH, IN — Over 140 employees at Caesars Southern Indiana Hotel & Casino went on strike last Monday, according to Teamsters Local 89, alleging unfair contract proposals from the company and a lack of fair treatment despite record profits.
"We will hold management accountable for their greed and blatant disrespect," stated Abrale Thompson, President of Teamsters Local 89. "The people running this casino need to recognize the workers who make their profits possible. We will use every resource at our disposal to ensure our members receive what they rightfully deserve."
The union states that the casino is owned and operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and reportedly generated millions of dollars in revenue in 2024 alone. The striking workers are demanding fair wages and retirement benefits that reflect their essential contributions to the casino's success.
Heather Emily, a cashier at the casino, said, "None of us wanted to go on strike, but management has forced our hand. All we're asking for is the ability to support our families and retire with dignity. This casino makes enough money to treat us fairly."
Teamsters Local 89 claims that despite months of negotiations, the casino has continued to refuse reasonable proposals regarding retirement benefits and other crucial economic issues.
"It is a serious miscalculation for the company to force our members into a strike," said Fred Zuckerman, General President of the Teamsters. "The Teamsters will not back down. Our members are united, and they will not stop until they receive the fair share they have earned. This strike is a direct result of corporate greed and indifference."
Caesars Southern Indiana released the following statement to WHAS11 News last Monday:
"Caesars Southern Indiana is committed to the collective bargaining process and continues to negotiate in good faith with the union representatives. Caesars Southern Indiana remains optimistic that we can continue constructive discussions and reach a mutually beneficial agreement in the near future."
This strike appears to be part of a recent trend of labor disputes within the U.S. casino industry. As the casino industry recovers from the pandemic and reports record profits, workers are increasingly vocal in demanding fair compensation for their contributions. Particularly with rising living costs due to inflation, wage increases and stable retirement plans have become major demands for workers.
If the strike at Caesars Southern Indiana Casino continues for an extended period, disruptions to the casino's operations are expected to be unavoidable. Furthermore, the outcome of this strike could significantly influence future labor negotiations at other casinos.
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