Horseshoe Indianapolis Dealers Enter Second Month of Union Strike

Table-game dealers and pit bosses at Horseshoe Indianapolis are now in their second month of striking. They keep watch outside the Shelbyville casino day and night, pushing harder to get their union recognized. 

Casino Workers Push for Union Recognition Amid Ongoing Picketers’ Protest

Workers walked off the job in mid-October. This happened right after a planned union vote was stopped during the federal government shutdown. As a result, workers lost their chance to get official representation.

About 200 workers, many with years of casino experience, say their ongoing picket has become a sign of their anger and unity. Several strikers pointed out that their fight goes beyond just asking for more money, reported WTHR. 

Tara Arnold, who has dealt cards for a long time, said her hourly pay has not kept up with the cost of living. However, she stressed that they also want real support and a say in workplace choices. She talked about how the strike has changed her daily life, noting she has never worked the kind of hours she now spends on the picket line.

Casino dealers say it is not as easy to keep tables staffed as Caesars Entertainment claims. The company insists that casino operations have not changed, but workers outside doubt this can be true without seasoned staff. They point out higher minimum bets and closed tables as signs that the lack of trained dealers has forced changes.

Strike Brings Workers Together as City and Casino Face Ongoing Labor Dispute

Some workers describe the picket line as a place that has boosted morale instead of lowering it. Dealer Dakota Massman said many of his coworkers see the strike as something that brings them together. He noted that their shared support has helped them get through long days and bad weather. Others said they are gaining more from working together than they are giving up, mentioning stronger friendships and feeling more in control of their situation.

Workers have stopped work as another argument unfolds with Shelbyville. At the start of this month, Teamsters Local 135 took legal action against the city and its police chief. They claim the city forced strikers away from spots the union believes are public areas. The union says this move, reportedly pushed by casino executives, violated workers’ right to protest.

City leaders have not said anything while they look into the issue. Caesars Entertainment has statedagain that it respects workers’ rights to engage in union activities. The company plans to follow the National Labor Relations Board’s rules when elections start up again.

Right now, there is no vote set and no talks happening. Workers say they are ready to keep their protest going for as long as it takes. They are hoping management will acknowledge their efforts or agree to another way to move things forward.