The go-to gaming and entertainment destination in Portsmouth, Virginia, Rivers Casino, reached an important milestone by ratifying a collective bargaining agreement.
The casino workers, represented by Teamsters Local 822, became the first in Virginia to secure a union contract.
An overwhelming 95% of the workers voted to ratify the agreement
Thanks to this milestone achievement, the casino workers set a precedent for workplace protections, better wages and fairness within the state's expanding gaming vertical.
An overwhelming majority of 95% of the workers at Rivers Casino voted to ratify a collective bargaining agreement.
Standing strong and united, the workers will now have a range of additional benefits, including protection from at-will employment, extra paid time off and health care coverage paid for by the employer.
Equally as important, the casino workers will benefit from earn increases of 15.95% for the duration of the bargaining contract.
Natasha O'Guinn, one of the members of Teamsters Local 822 and a slot attendant at Rivers Casino, spoke about the importance of the collective bargaining agreement, Casino Guru News learned from a press release.
"This contract means stability for me and my family. I know my job is protected, my health care is covered, and my wages and tips together give me the security to plan for the future," she said.
Moreover, O'Guinn pointed out: "We finally have a voice and a fair contract that respects what we do every day."
Currently, Teamsters Local 822 represents more than 3,000 workers within the Tidewater Area.
Those employees are part of a range of different sectors and benefit from the protection and fairness the union actively advocates for.
James Wright, Teamsters Local 822's President, spoke with excitement about the latest announcement, saying: "This is history in the making."
What's more, he pointed out: "For the first time, Virginia gaming workers have a legally binding union contract that delivers guaranteed raises, strong benefits, and just cause protections."
In conclusion, Wright explained that this collective bargaining agreement is a testament to the workers' unity and desire to transform the industry they are part of.
