Indiana Teamsters Union Sues Shelbyville Over Casino Strike Dispute
Federal Lawsuit Filed Over Casino Strike Conflict
The dispute involving the Horseshoe Indianapolis casino has intensified with a federal lawsuit initiated by Teamsters Local 135. The union has sued the city of Shelbyville and its police chief, alleging that the city infringed on workers’ rights by forcibly removing striking employees from public areas.
Allegations of Violating Workers’ Rights in Picket Line Regulation
The lawsuit, filed on November 6 in the US District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, contends that city officials required union members to move their picket line away from casino entrances even though the protests took place on public easements. According to the union, these actions violated protected rights under the First Amendment and the National Labor Relations Act, which safeguard lawful picketing and assembly.
Since mid-October, approximately 200 dealers and dual-rate employees have been on strike, calling it a “recognition strike.” They seek acknowledgment of their union from Caesars Entertainment, the casino’s parent company, after stalled negotiations and postponed elections. Their demands include higher wages, better short-term disability benefits, and enhanced safety in casino parking areas.
The union intended to hold a vote on unionization on October 17, but the National Labor Relations Board elections were delayed nationwide due to a federal government shutdown. Workers proposed using an impartial third party to oversee the vote, a suggestion rejected by Caesars, prompting the strike action.
Union Claims Shelbyville Colluded With Casino Management
Union members maintain they peacefully picketed on North Michigan Road for nearly three weeks, enduring adverse weather. The situation escalated on November 5 when Shelbyville police, responding to requests from casino management, ordered protesters to disperse. Teamsters officials report that their president, Dustin Roach, was warned he might face trespassing charges.
Caesars Entertainment has not commented on the lawsuit, and Shelbyville’s police department stated they are still investigating the incident.
Local 135 alleges that the city cooperated with businesses to suppress a lawful strike. Following these events, over one hundred strikers attended a city council meeting demanding accountability and affirming their commitment to continue the strike.
Possible Legal Outcomes and Ongoing Protests
The case, Teamsters Local Union No. 135 v. City of Shelbyville Indiana and Chief Bill Dwenger, could clarify the boundaries of public protests near private establishments and determine the extent to which city officials can intervene in labor disputes.
Meanwhile, striking workers maintain a smaller demonstration across the street, vowing to persist “one day longer, one day stronger” until their union rights are recognized.
