Labor Unions Back Ambitious Times Square Casino Project

A proposal to establish a casino hotel in Times Square has recently gained the backing of 17 labor unions, marking a significant step forward for the ambitious project. 

Union Support Fuels Ambitious Plan by Caesars, SL Green, and Roc Nation to Reinvigorate Times Square

This development comes as a major boost for the plan, which is spearheaded by a partnership between Caesars Entertainment, real estate developer SL Green, and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. The project envisions transforming an office building at 44th Street and Broadway into a luxury gaming, hospitality, and entertainment hub that promises to revitalize the iconic New York City area.

In a letter addressed to key Manhattan officials, including Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, State Assemblymember Tony Simone, and City Councilmember Erik Bottcher, union representatives expressed their enthusiastic support for the Caesars Palace Times Square proposal. They emphasized the economic potential of the project, stating that a thriving Times Square would have a positive ripple effect throughout the entire city. 

The unions, which include prominent groups such as the Steamfitters Local 638 and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union No. 3, believe that the casino will create numerous jobs and stimulate economic growth in the area.

Broadway Concerns Clash with Union Support

The proposal has not been without controversy. Some theater groups, like the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and the Theater Development Fund (TDF), have voiced concerns that the casino could draw patrons away from local theaters, potentially harming the cultural fabric of the area. Despite this opposition, the union leaders maintain that the project will attract millions of new visitors annually, which will, in turn, benefit surrounding businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and retail stores.

The backing of these labor unions is seen as a critical element in the project’s advancement. The unions have highlighted their longstanding collaborative relationships with both Caesars and SL Green, noting that the companies have a strong track record of working with organized labor. 

The consortium has already secured agreements of support from Broadway labor groups like the Actors Equity Association and the American Federation of Musicians Local 802. Moreover, the developers have pledged to invest billions into the project, which includes not only the construction of the casino but also improvements to local infrastructure, security, and sanitation.

Union leaders argue that the casino will be a catalyst for economic development, potentially bringing over 10 million new visitors to New York City each year. This influx of tourists is expected to bolster local businesses and provide a much-needed economic boost to Times Square, an area still recovering from the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.