Rivers Casino Portsmouth Workers Achieve Historic Union Contract in Virginia
Historic Union Contract at Rivers Casino Portsmouth
Workers at Rivers Casino Portsmouth have made groundbreaking history by becoming the first casino employees in Virginia to officially ratify a union contract. This milestone represents a major triumph for organized labor within the state’s gaming industry. Represented by Teamsters Local 822, the employees approved the agreement with an overwhelming 95% support, securing notable improvements in wages, benefits, and job security.
Extensive Organizing Efforts Lead to Success
The new contract includes an average salary increase of 15.95% over its term, along with employer-covered health insurance, expanded paid leave, and protection against at-will termination. For many workers, the agreement is not just a financial gain but a hard-earned acknowledgment of their collective strength and rights.
Employees emphasize the enhanced job security the contract provides. Beyond the tangible benefits, the deal also establishes a platform for workers to have their voices heard and ensure fair representation. James Wright, president of Teamsters Local 822, highlighted that this achievement sets an important example of fairness for the gaming industry throughout Virginia.
“For the first time, Virginia gaming workers have a legally binding union contract that delivers guaranteed raises, strong benefits, and just cause protections.”
James Wright, Teamsters Local 822 President
Teamsters Local 822, which represents over 3,000 workers in the Tidewater region, credited the success to months of coordinated organizing efforts. Within a short period, they negotiated what is being heralded as a model agreement that could influence future union contracts in the region. The union encourages other casino employees to unite and follow this lead.
Unionization Movement Expands Across the Casino Industry
The agreement at Portsmouth is part of a larger surge in labor organizing within the casino sector across the United States. Driven by challenging economic realities, casino workers are increasingly turning to unions to seek fair wages and reliable scheduling in an industry known for its irregular hours and tip-based earnings.
Recent developments include cage cashiers at Encore Boston Harbor in Massachusetts voting strongly to join Teamsters Local 25. Additionally, more than 200 staff at Horseshoe Indianapolis staged a strike when management declined to recognize their union during complications from the federal government shutdown, which has also hindered the National Labor Relations Board’s ability to function, impacting union efforts nationwide.
This victory in Portsmouth holds significance beyond Virginia’s borders. Industry experts suggest it proves unionization can take root even in states without a longstanding labor union tradition in gaming. Since Virginia legalized casino gaming in 2020, and with Rivers Casino Portsmouth opening as its first permanent facility in January 2023, this contract signals a new era for worker representation in the region.
