United Auto Workers Support Hard Rock Casino Rockford Employees in Their Unionization Efforts
United Auto Workers Rally Behind Hard Rock Casino Rockford Staff Seeking Union Representation
On Tuesday, the United Auto Workers (UAW) showed their support for Hard Rock Casino Rockford employees by joining their picket line. Dozens of workers are currently striving to unionize and are awaiting a crucial decision regarding their efforts.
Union Efforts Aim to Enhance Pay, Benefits, and Collective Bargaining
The UAW emphasized the importance of union representation for Hard Rock Casino employees, urging the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which was actively reviewing the case during the rally, to approve the unionization process.
Workers including sportsbook cashiers, dealers, and other casino staff are pushing to unionize, inspired by the successful unionization of slot attendants who joined Teamsters Local 325 with overwhelming approval earlier this year.
During the rally, John Mann expressed his belief that management views employees merely as numbers rather than individual people. He highlighted that unions play a vital role in maintaining balance by protecting workers’ interests and preventing impersonal management decisions.
Michael Moe, representing Local 1268, shared that the union was approached by Hard Rock Casino Rockford employees earlier in 2024, and both parties have been collaborating to unify the workforce under a collective voice.
Joining the UAW promises tangible benefits, including improved holiday pay and general wage increases. Moe pointed out that currently, workers receive no extra pay for holiday shifts, and missing a holiday can result in financial penalties—issues a union could address.
Benefits of Strong Worker Representation
Approximately 125 employees have the opportunity to join the UAW. Doing so would not only strengthen the union but also enhance collective bargaining power, allowing workers to influence workplace policies and conditions more effectively.
John Mann believes that unionization is key to preserving the American dream by empowering workers to succeed at all levels of the corporate structure. Unions have a deep interest in ensuring that employees share fairly in the benefits generated by the company.
He concluded with a hopeful message about the power of unity: “Strength lies in numbers, and the employees hold that strength. They deserve to have a voice in their workplace—a right they currently feel is lacking.”
