Horseshoe Indianapolis Casino Workers Strike amid Federal Shutdown

Over 200 casino workers at Horseshoe Indianapolis have launched a strike, walking off their jobs over stalled union recognition efforts that have been thrown into limbo by the ongoing federal government shutdown. Their demands primarily focus on strengthening their collective bargaining rights, with no further demands yet announced.

Employees Want to Have Their Voices Heard

The workers, mainly comprised of table game dealers and dual-rate supervisors, were scheduled to hold a vote last Friday to decide whether to join Teamsters Local 135. However, the initiative was put on hold indefinitely after the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which is responsible for administering union elections, was unable to continue its operations due to the lack of federal funding.

Workers feel that with the NLRB out of commission, they have no viable path toward formal unionization. While the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) grants workers the right to organize, there’s no way to hold or certify elections, count votes, or resolve disagreements without the NLRB’s administrative functions.

Dustin Roach, president of Teamsters Local 135, was adamant that the federal shutdown was no reason to deny workers unionization rights. The union, which represents slot attendants and warehouse employees at the venue, proposed that the election proceed as planned, with oversight by a neutral third party instead of the NLRB. According to Roach, management has refused that suggestion.

The Federal Shutdown Significantly Complicates the Process

The strike at Horseshoe Indianapolis is unusual, as it takes place before the workers are officially unionized. Strikes most often occur after unsuccessful negotiations or disputes due to unfair labor practices. However, in this case, employees hope that the walkouts will pressure management to voluntarily recognize the union or agree to an alternative voting process.

The NLRB’s closure has delayed labor actions in all pending cases nationwide, potentially creating a significant backlog once funding resumes. Labor attorneys are adamant that employers must respect workers’ organizing rights during the shutdown, even if enforcement is temporarily suspended. Despite the mass walkouts, dealers and floor staff maintain that their actions seek to promote fairness and accountability, not cause unnecessary disruption.

Local labor leaders have described the situation in Indiana as an example of how organizing efforts can proceed even in the absence of federal oversight. With no official election date in sight, employees have announced they will continue to strike until management agrees to negotiate or a resolution is reached.