Hard Rock casino workers steadily step up union efforts

Article by : Charles Perrin Oct 28, 2024

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Hard Rock casino workers are trying to make their voices with their ambition to organize a union.

The workers who are part of the Hard Rock casino in Rockford, Illinois, staged a rally at the end of last week as they remain unwavering in their belief.

Deemed to be a “Rally for Respect”, the event was staged by 6 unions that have joined forces to give employees at the casino more rights.

The Hard Rock casino only opened in Illinois a couple of months ago to the tune of $360 million, but the bulk of the 900 employees are angling for a union contract.

So far, they have been steady in mobilizing their efforts, and Sara Dorner, who is the president of Rockford United Labor, AFL-Cio, insists it makes little sense for Hard Rock to impede workers.

She said: “The workers are steadily organizing. We’re expecting votes to come through over the next couple of months, but we would like to save time and energy with the casino.

“We don’t want them to have to put all their time and money and energy into busting this up when it’s going to happen.”

Dorner has suggested that the casino has been hiring anti-union lawyers in a bid to appease workers and persuade them not to sign up to unions.

United Auto Workers Local 1268 President Matt Frantzen, meanwhile, has maintained that only preliminary talks have been held with the Hard Rock workers, and they can reach out as and when needed.

He said: “We are basically talking them through the process letting them know that it’s truly their union they are trying to form.

“We are just there to help. We have a coalition of six unions that are helping with different sectors but we are all working together.”

The need to recognize employees is critical, but while the rally held was “respectful” in Rockford, it is hoped things won’t quickly descend into a stand-off between the casino and its workforce in the future.