Union Stages MGM Casino Protest

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-mgmprotest0518.artmay18,0,1168397.story

The United Auto Workers gathered near the new MGM Grand at Foxwoods in Ledyard on Saturday to kick off the first of two days of protests against what the union calls an unfair tipping policy and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe's refusal to bargain.

Union members were doing a "visibility" protest, trying to make sure casino customers and others are aware of what they say are unfair labor practices.

"We're trying to let them know what's going on," protest organizer Peggy Shorey said. The object, she said, was to obtain recognition for the union and the issues its members are facing with MGM Grand.

Shorey said many dealers were joining the demonstration before and after their shifts.

A new policy that went into effect Saturday restructures the way tips are distributed among dealers, which the union says will decrease their earnings.

Shorey said the tipping policy is just one example of the casino refusing to bargain with the union, and another reason the dealers want to have union contracts.

FULL story at link.