Casino workers at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, NY, have initiated unionization efforts through Teamsters Local 449, seeking improved working conditions and better compensation.

The unionization process began December 12, led by former employee Vernon Lohan, who cited concerns about unfair terminations and inadequate pay and benefits. Previous attempts to unionize in 2004 and 2005 were unsuccessful.

To proceed, organizers must gather signatures from at least 30% of the workforce. If successful, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) will oversee an election process, requiring Seneca Gaming Corporation to negotiate in good faith if workers vote to unionize.

Despite being on sovereign tribal land, Seneca Niagara must comply with federal labor laws as it employs people outside its reservation. The casino, featuring 2,500+ slot machines, 60 table games, and a AAA Four Diamond hotel, is the largest of the tribe's three gaming properties.

Seneca Gaming Corporation currently:

• Employs over 5,500 full-time workers
• Paid $313.4 million in wages last year
• Generated $1.1 billion economic impact in upstate New York
• Shares 25% of slot revenue with New York state

If successful, this unionization effort could potentially extend to the tribe's other properties: Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino and Seneca Buffalo Creek.

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