NOVEMBER 2007
(Post #287) From a Full Time 11-30-07:
I received my second letter from Jimmy Wike today and I feel
compelled to respond:
1. Is Caesars Palace afraid of the Union? If you have
good relationships with many unions why are we to be treated differently and
made to feel like traitors for wanting representation. We are not the Frontier
and there are many highly educated dealers at Caesars to help negotiate our
contract!
2. Why is Caesars Palace now focusing its attention on
dealers? We know the facts: we are not uneducated as you seem to think We
are protecting our tokes as stated and tell the job security tale to all the
folks you have fired! NOT TO MENTION THE OTHER CASINOS ARE BREATHING DOWN YOUR
NECKS BECAUSE THEY KNOW ALL THE HOTELS WILL FOLLOW!
3. Can I be neutral in the election? Yes! You do not
have to vote but the election is decided by the majority that actually votes.
4.Do I have to vote for the TWU if I signed a union
authorization card? No, that is true but I don't know why anyone would
change their minds because you have a high priced lawyer writing threatening
letters to us. It should only compel more to vote YES!
5.If the TWU wins the election, does that automatically
protect my tokes? YES! You lied again. All things stay "STATUS
QUO" until we negotiate a contract even if it takes 5 years! Why would we
negotiate for less!! Remember after the contract is negotiated all dealers get
to vote to ratify (accept) the contract.
6. If the TWU loses the election, what actions can we
expect from Caesars Palace against dealers? NONE- are you kidding!! The day
shift ACM S..... D....... already tries to punish the IHO's knowing it is against
the NLRB laws. The is the most vindictive management team that I have ever
worked for-not to mention the most incompetent!
7. What will Caesars Palace give me to vote against the
union? Nothing is right because it is against the law, and when is the last
time they ever gave us anything?
8. What do dealers put at risk? As I have said before,
everything stays "STATUS QUO" during negotiations and why would we
negotiate for anything less. We would like to add seniority and a standard discipline
outline in writing!
9. What would happen if, in negotiations, the TWU wanted
more money or benefits than the Company is willing to give? You try to put
the fear of strike into hard working loyal employees. First, as I have said, we
are not uneducated so we would not be going out on strike and the dealers
themselves would have to vote to walk, however, during our negotiations the
entire state of Nevada dealers will be joining the union and together we will
have a voice that you will have to bargain in good faith with or the NLRB will
step-in. So this answers three of your questions that you wanted to reiterate
just to put fear in your staff!
The TWU has negotiated some of the highest paid contracts in
the US, for example, some bus drivers in New York make $100,000 annually with a
pension of $70,000 when they retire. It sounds like they really need us! The
fact is the corporations has kept all other unions from representing us by
giving other unions stronger contracts to leave us alone. Some were even paid
off! But you on the other hand, would rather hire the highest paid "union
busting attorneys in the US" than to have 600 dealers be represented by the
union. Why?
We all know why! You are greedy! You are a self-insured
company and even make money on us that way. You have reduced the matches on
401k's, you try to get us to fund pre-paid prescription accounts, legal accounts
and etc. so you can make the interest on those too.
And to think I am only a dealer and I can see right thru
you!!!
VOTE UNION AND STOP THE BLEEDING! KNOW THERE WILL BE MORE OF
THEIR BULLSHIT TO COME!
RESPONSE:
Very good! Although the Reader failed to directly address
several of the questions asked by CP, but we will answer them very soon.
Now, does this Dealer seem like they need
"educated"? We don't think so, and THAT is what scares CP!
CAESARS PALACE'S
"PROMISES MEAN NOTHING"!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #286) From the Organizing
Committee 11-30-07:
Just a FYI, we recently had a Reader suggest that we ask for our
own "case" to post our flyers in at work, because that is what they
did at The Wynn. So, we checked into it.
Well, Caesars Palace likes to tell us that the TWU has gotten
nothing accomplished at The Wynn...WRONG. This is just one of many things they
have gotten done so far, they got The Wynn to agree AFTER the Union was voted
in, to allow the Union to have a locked glass case for their flyers.
As for CP allowing us the same thing, forget about it. There is
no way until we all vote the Union in can we even think of such things, little
as they may seem. Does the Dealer's Committee have such a small luxury even?
Nope. Think about it.
CAESARS PALACE'S
"PROMISES MEAN NOTHING"!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #285) From a Dealer 11-30-07:
Mr. Wike has sent us another letter (thanks for respecting our privacy).
That isn't really a fair statement though. Mr. Wike's hired union busters
have sent us another letter.
I would like to thank you for taking the time and expense to let us
know how the union would be so bad for us.
In the letter you mention that the TWU sees us as a source of revenue
IE. Union Dues. Well firstly, this is a Right to Work State, which simply
means not only do you not have to join a union, you can NEVER be compelled
to pay union dues. I'm sure your union-busting toadies must have over-looked
that. Secondly, It seems to me you view us the same way. Strange how our
insurance premiums go up without fail every year, but the Union Employees
pay little or nothing. Maybe you could use our sky-high premiums to help
defray the cost of Unionized workers health care. Failing that, you could
use some of that money you no longer give to us in our 401k match.
Here is another sparkling idea for you. Use our tokes to help pay the
floor people what you should be paying them anyway. "Outrageous,
Unthinkable" you say? Can't be that 'unthinkable', your
counterpart down the street not only thought about it. He did it. I'm
not naive enough to think you wouldn't do that to us in an instant. If I'm
wrong, why can't you simply give us a written contract that states you won't
ever take our tokes? Is that so hard? You won't do it. Not now, not
ever. Why?
You view us as your JACKPOT.
You've left us no choice. We have to unionize to have a voice in our
future. Dealers Local 721 will be that voice. While the TWU is the
organizing entity, the 721 is the negotiating voice. Nothing that is
negotiated upon will be arbitrarily agreed upon without our voice. They like
to bring up the lousy contract the TWU negotiated with the Frontier. Damn
right it was lousy. You know whose fault that is? The Frontier
dealers. No contract will be ratified without our say. That being
said, no one is going to 'gamble' with our tokes or 401k because no dealer
in their right mind would let them.
Do your families a favor and vote yes for your Union. Its the only
sensible course of action we have left.
RESPONSE:
Thanks for the Feedback! We would like to add to this one, but will save
our comments for when we comment on the entire letter ourselves.
CAESARS PALACE'S
"PROMISES MEAN NOTHING"!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #284) From the Organizing
Committee 11-30-07:
We just want to update everyone on the new pages we have added
to the website: "401(k)";
"Successorship";
"Predictions";
"Educate";
"Wike Letter";
"Incident Reports"
and "Real Issues".
All buttons for these pages can be found on the left side of either the Home
Page or Readers Write page. As we add new pages we will list the new pages in
a streaming banner on one of these two pages.
CAESARS PALACE'S
"PROMISES MEAN NOTHING"!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #283) From a Full Time Dealer
11-30-07:
Hello My Fellow Dealers,
I want to explain that when we vote the union in on Dec. 22,
that everything we have stays "STATUS QUO" so technically, we already
have a contract while we are negotiating. Even if Steve Wynn wins in the Nevada
Supreme Court, our tokes CANNOT be taken for any reason!!! They CANNOT take our
401k unless we negotiate it away and why would we do that. Please don't let this
rhetoric from management dissuade you from the path that we are on.
And in the flyer they make a reference to "are you tired
of the hate talk" WHO IS THREATENING WHO>???? We are truly trying to
give you the facts that management does not want you to have. We have 3 weeks
left so STAY STRONG--STAY FOCUSED AND DON'T BELIEVE ANY OF THE BS THAT THEY ARE
FORCE FEEDING IN THESE MEETINGS! LET THE FORCE BE WITH US!
There are several casinos small and large that are already
sending in Authorization Cards and they are looking to Caesars to be the 'FLAG
SHIP"--STAY THE COURSE--VOTE YES ON THE 22ND.
RESPONSE:
The Reader is EXACTLY RIGHT when they say everything stays
"status quo". We are going to dedicate a page just to this subject
very soon. Stay Tuned!
We agree, it is Caesars Palace threatening us, not any of us
threatening them. Unless of course they see the Union as a "threat"
and CP will lose the 100% control they have over us.
We would also like to make mention of something said in the
"pink flyer", they said "Promises mean nothing", and that
is exactly right! The Union has promised us nothing but what the Federal
Government is guaranteeing us if we organize (NLRA). On the other hand,
Caesars Palace has PROMISED not to take our tokes as at The Wynn. PROMISES
MEAN NOTHING!
CAESARS PALACE'S
"PROMISES MEAN NOTHING"!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #282) From Flamingo Dealers
11-29-07:
WE NEED YOUR HELP....
WE ARE NOT AS PROMINENT AS CAESARS; HOWEVER, WE HAVE FAMILIES AND LIVES TO LIVE.
WE SUPPORT YOU - VOTE YES!!!
FLAMINGO DEALERS - DAY, SWING, AND GRAVE
RESPONSE:
Thanks for your support! Listen , you do not have to be Caesars
Palace to organize. We want EVERY casino Dealer in the Country to be organized.
We are all brothers and sisters in this business.
We would love to help you, but you did not include any
"contact info" on your Feedback, so have no way of contacting you. If
you would like to submit another feedback with the info, that would be great and
we can help you get it all started. You can also contact the TWU Reps by calling
them at the Local 721 office at (702) 476-0648.
We hope to have you "onboard" with the many other
casinos joining in very soon.
CAESARS PALACE'S
"PROMISES MEAN NOTHING"!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #281) From a Caesar's AC Dealer
11-29-07:
Hi to all Caesars palace dealer. Stay strong and build
stronger comities and that is only way you can win good election. Don’t buy
Loveman story, he told us at Caesars AC that Las Vegas employee loves his new
health care plan (cigna) then how came Caesars AC dealer don’t like it (do you
really like Loveman's health care plane?) if Caesars AC dealer don’t like this
health care then he will fix everything, he lied. Gary Loveman will try
everything to bust union. Comities should constantly talking and give update to
all dealer. GOOD LUCK
Caesars dealer
Atlantic city NJ
RESPONSE:
Thank you very much for you Feedback! Hopefully as we approach
our election date we can have more Dealers from AC write to us about how they
will try to defeat us with their lies and manipulations. The Dealers across the
country need to hear about these "FACTS".
And our answer is a resounding "NO", we do NOT like
the health plan we currently have which is owned by Harrah's and administered
by Cigna. It is the worse health insurance we have had since the beginning of
Caesars Palace over 40 years ago.
CAESARS PALACE'S
"PROMISES MEAN NOTHING"!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #280) From a 21 Dealer 11-29-07:
I heard a supervisor told a PCD girl that she would be fired
if she voted for the union. Can they do that?
RESPONSE:
Not only can they not fire anyone who votes for the Union just
because they voted for the Union, but it is also against >>>
Federal
Law <<< for them to even
say such a thing to ANY Dealer!
Please, if anyone hears such things or has had ANY supervisor
say anything remotely like this, REPORT IT ASAP to either us or the Union
immediately. Lies and threats such as this are considered "Unfair Labor
Practices" (ULP's) and the National Labor Relations Board will be
notified by the Union of such illegal activities.
Make note of the date, time, who said it, where and any
witnesses and report it. All IHO's will be able to assist you in reporting it
as well.
CAESARS PALACE'S
"PROMISES MEAN NOTHING"!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #279) From a Laughlin 21 Dealer
11-28-07:
I am a dealer in Laughlin and have dealt for years in Vegas.
I say "BRAVO" for the union. It's about time that the dealers finally
unite. I have wanted protection for years, but people are afraid to lose their
jobs. So am I, but I'm more afraid of what the corporations are doing to us. I
talked to a union rep and I'm going to do my best to get something going down
here.
RESPONSE:
Thanks for your Feedback and support! Need any help, let us
know.
Funny thing is, as the Reader writes, " I have wanted
protection for years, but people are afraid to lose their jobs."
That's one of the main points of a Union, to help protect your job. People are
afraid of losing their jobs while they are having to fight to protect them.
Kind of doesn't make sense to us.
CAESARS PALACE'S
"PROMISES MEAN NOTHING"!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #278) From a 21 Dayshift Dealer
11-28-07:
Mr. Wike,
Your letter in itself is a contradiction. You said Caesar's Palace will respect
our privacy away from work concerning the union and the election, yet we are
receiving mail from you addressed to our homes, doing the very thing you said
you wouldn't do, but that the union would. You couldn't have had a mandatory or
voluntary meeting set-up at work, instead of mailing your letter to our homes ?
Obviously you don't care about our privacy either. You said in the next few
weeks the union would be bothering us at our homes. It seems like you beat them
to the punch, since you invaded our privacy at home before the union did.
I can't see why the TWU organizers would "bother to spread rumors, create
fear, stop us from going home, come to our house, phone us, and interfere in our
personal and family lives", concerning the over 400 dealers who already
sent in TWU cards. Doesn't that sound like a waste of time?. Your letter must be
meant for the minority of the people who are on the fence or against the union,
and quite frankly, those tactics, even as read them, reminded me more of how you
and your ACM's have been running Caesar's and ruling over us. I also think that
you don't give the people who are on the fence, and who are against the union
enough credit. I think they, like us, know that it's an educated decision that
only each individual can make, and I also think they are old enough to say NO,
or Leave Us Alone, "IF" they are, and, don't want to be bothered by
someone from the union. Thanks for telling them they could say those things
though, since you must think they couldn't have figured that out for themselves.
Even at home, just like at work, we're treated like we're not smart enough to do
anything without being told what to do. If you hadn't sent that letter, telling
them what to say, imagine the dilemma they would be in, if the situation arose
that you described.
You write, "Our goal is to give you the "FACTS". Well, FACTS will
be the first thing you've given us, aside from : points, write-ups, suspensions,
evaluations our floor people aren't allowed to do, warnings, firings, being
chewed out in the pit, or the office. Actually, looking this letter over, I'm
trying to find some facts. One fact. A fact. Something we don't know? Can you
tell me where it is ?
You write, "We will not make any PROMISES or THREATS". I've been
Threatened about my job at Caesar's. I've been told that I could lose my job at
Caesar's, on more than one occasion. Over stupid things I've seen the select
favorite few do 1000 times worse, and you, and your upper management team, turn
their heads where they're concerned. I would give more details, but if I did,
they PROMISED me I would get fired, so I sit here quietly to this day, because I
don't want to get fired. That's a FACT. Which, I guess means your THREATS,
PROMISES, and FACTS, are all intertwined.
Then there's your evaluation system, that's a laugh. I understand that we ALL
can't be outstanding. I know we ALL aren't outstanding, but how is it, that when
Harrah's came in, almost everyone became average, except the favorite few ?
Seriously, how did the vast majority of us become average? I bet if we checked
the people who got outstanding evaluations in the gaming department, their
evaluations weren't turned back at least 3 times until they were made average,
and that MOST of the employees that got outstanding evaluations which entitles
them to a bonus, are not long term employees of Caesar's. Are most of them under
15 years ? 10 years ? 5 years ? I'm not saying all, but I am saying most. Call
it a hunch.
You and your ACM's have not deemed it necessary to give the majority of your
dealers the time of day, or even the simplest gestures of professional courtesy
such as an acknowledgement that we exist by just walking by someone's game and
giving them a smile, or a simple good morning, afternoon, or evening. We're not
even worth a nod of the head in our direction. It's also something related to
and called respect. There are two ACM's that have not spoken to me once this
year. Well, one did, but that was to chew me out on a game, and when they
realized they were wrong, did I get an apology? NO. She just turned around and
walked out of the pit. There is a third ACM who hasn't spoken to me in 6 months.
He talks to people playing at my table, or stands at or by my table many, many
times, and when I look up at him, he looks down at me and usually lets out a
disgusted sigh, sometimes he rolls his eyes, and then walks away, and sometimes,
after he walks away from me, with my moral lowered just a tad bit more because
of how he treated me, he starts joking with the pit clerk, or another dealer
close by about a movie or concert he went to.
Now, because of the mandatory and voluntary meetings, and your recent letter,
all of a sudden, we're suppose to respect you and your ACM's ? Because you are
giving things back, that should never had been taken away in the first place, we
should now listen to what you have to say, and Believe in you ? Stand behind you
like your favorite few ? When up until now, you and your ACM's have let us know
very clearly how things are, and that you had your own way of doing things, and
that there was no other way, Period. I don't think so.
I work very hard, like everyone else. I've been at Caesar's a long time, and I'm
proud to say that I'm a Caesar's Palace Dealer. It saddens me though to see what
Harrah's, Harrah's henchmen, Jimmy Wike, and what all the ACM's are trying to
do. They've done nothing but take from us, and expect more from us in return,
they've brought moral to an all time low, lost us a lot of our big players, and
chased away a lot of players that have been loyal customers of Caesar's for many
years. Upper Management works us through fear and intimidation, you read about
their huge profits, and they brag and take credit for it, and then on top of it,
get large bonuses, thanks to our hard work.
To the Dealers of Caesar's Palace, and ALL DEALERS at every hotel and casino
everywhere, WE are the CORE and BACKBONE of the gaming industry. We need
protection. We need to UNITE, and we need to VOTE YES.
RESPONSE:
Well, that says it all. We will have our response to the
letter with a dedicated button just for him very soon.
CAESARS PALACE'S
"PROMISES MEAN NOTHING"!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #277) From the Organizing
Committee 11-27-07:
You may all have noticed some changes to the website. Do not be alarmed, it
is NOT your computers acting up. We are trimming down the website as we
approach the day the Dealers of Caesars Palace vote "YES" for Union
representation. Everyone has had plenty of time to read the issues we had
posted here, and now it is time to zero in on our main issues and what it will
mean for all of us to become a Union of Dealers.
We continually hear the same question, "What can a Union do for
you" being posed by management. They tell us they want us to make an
educated decision. They will force us into "mandatory meetings" to
force their one-sided education onto us. As a famous Caesars Palace Dealer has
stated, "There are two sides", and we are going to show you the
Union side.
We have worked for as long as Caesars Palace has been opened without any
real representation, taking what they give us (or rather, take away from us),
while our co-workers in other departments are continually making gains to keep
up with the times.
As we implement the changes to the website, we will have only TWO main
pages with links from these pages, the "Readers Write" section and
the "Home Page". Every page will be linked to one or the other of
these pages. There may be some broken links on the pages we leave up, but we
will try to correct them as we find them. Please be patient if you hit a
"restricted page" message. That is just an old link to a page we
have taken down for the time being.
CaesarsPalaceDealers.com has drawn visitors from nearly 30 countries and
every state in the U.S. Dealers from around the country have been coming here,
and we welcomed them all. To be honest, we have been truly amazed, but in our
hearts we knew that every Dealer in this Country realizes the importance of
our mission. We will return the website to most of it's original form after we
win the election. But for now, as we have stated, we must concentrate on each
and every Dealer at one casino in the World, Caesars Palace.
We still welcome ALL feedback from anyone around the world, and especially
from the Dealers of Caesars Palace, and we will keep posting and responding to
them all.
There may be new pages added as we drive to the finish and they will be
announced on the NEWS PAGE
as they become available. We will also be adding a new scrolling marquee to
the Feedback and Homepage announcing what new links to new pages have been
added to those main pages.
For right now and for the days counting down, we must ALL:
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #276) From a Harrah's Tahoe Dealer
11-26-07:
In Lake Tahoe, Harrah’s properties have continually made
cuts in our bottom line, and other Northern Nevada casinos follow Harrah’s.
You are not alone in your bad experiences and distrust in Harrah’s. It is
everywhere.
Continue showing your strength and leadership. We dream about being in your
situation soon! Remember why you sent in your cards, follow through, and VOTE
YES!
RESPONSE:
Thanks for your support! We hope to all be meeting at Union
Meetings with the Lake Tahoe Dealers in the near future. We are behind you all
100%!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #275) From a Graveyard Dealer
11-25-07:
In response to #266:
First of all, you need to go back to grammar school!
Secondly, we were pointing out what other union workers
already have and we never will unless we NEGOTIATE for them.
Third, who are you to speak for all dealers when well over
400 have turned in Authorization Cards? You are an extra board that management
hasn't seen fit to hire full-time and you did not invent COURTEOUS, FRIENDLY
DEALERS THAT DEAL MORE THAN ONE GAME! So quit patting yourself on the back. We
were doing that before you were born and that is why Caesars Palace has the
reputation that it has and everyone wanted to buy it!
Fourth, WHO NEEDS YOUR APPROVAL FOR ANYTHING MUCH LESS PAYING
UNION DUES! IT IS A RIGHT TO WORK STATE AND NO ONE HAS TO PAY DUES IF THEY DO
NOT WANT TO.
Fifth, have you seen the Frontier contract?
Sixth, every time you talked to me, your only concern was
that they may hire someone with more seniority before you!! Your intentions sir,
are not for the betterment of the whole, but for yourself and that is plain to
see!
RESPONSE:
Please read the following post. Let's let it rest.
We want to again make a comment about the "Frontier
Contract". Think about it, it WAS a CONTRACT! Which MEANS that the Dealers
DID organize, management DID negotiate and they DID get a contact! Bottom
line.
If their contract was not a "very good" one, who was
to blame? The Dealers, NOT the TWU, negotiated their contract. The TWU will NOT
dictate to us what to accept or not accept. They will advise us, but not mandate
that we must accept or deny the contract. It was the
Dealers at the Frontier who approved and signed that contract,
NOT the Dealers of Caesars Palace, NOT the TWU.
Want to look at contracts? Let's look at the Culinary contract,
or the Teamsters, or the Operating Engineers, or whoever. WE ARE THE UNION! If
we agree to a bad contract, then we have nobody to blame but ourselves. On the other hand,
if we get a great contract, we will take the glory as well.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #274) From Doug Chavez 11-25-07:
Please post. Hello, this will be my last posting. I want to
respond to the false accusation that i may somehow be getting favoratism or some
kind special kickback from management for being against the union, when the
exact opposite is true, my view is from the heart and i truly believe we as a
whole are better off without the union but i will support whatever decision we
all decide together on the 22nd, i have spoken with 3 different managers
including my visit to the office the other night that you where so interested in
and everytime i wanted to know what all i could and could not do to support the
non union position and everytime I WAS STONGLY DISCOURAGED BY THEM AND TOLD NOT
TO DO ANYTHING, even though technically i could remove union material in the
break room and bring in my own material and talk about my opinion to anyone who
would listen, i was time and time again STONGLY DISCOURAGED BY THEM AND TOLD NOT
TO DO ANYTHING AT ALL BECAUSE OF THE RETALIATION I WOULD PERSONALLY RECIEVE FROM
THE PRO UNION SUPPORTERS, AND THAT IT WOULD CAUSE ME MORE PROBLEMS IN THE LONG
RUN THEN IT WAS WORTH. so in the end it was not the pro union supporters that
pursuaded me to not speak against the union but MANAGEMENT ITSELF THAT CHOICE TO
SILENCE ONE OF ITS FEW VOCAL SUPPORTERS. so from this point on i will not say or
do anything in favor of either position. i personally wish all my fellow dealers
only the best nomatter what side your on and when this is all over hope we can
continue to be the best team on the strip. please post. thank you.
Douglas Chavez
RESPONSE:
We appreciate your stance Doug, but as you know do not agree
with it nor some of your tactics. We are all in a stage where everyone is under
the microscope, so to speak. Your "office visit" was being talked
about by many Dealers, so we posed the question to you for them is all. It is
best for all of us not to draw attention to ourselves, because if we do people
are going to talk about it, pro and con.
Also, we admire your "fearless" effort. Not many would
put their names out for everyone to know. That takes strength. We just wish that
you would realize what is happening not only in the casino business, but in all
corporate structures in this country and use that great strength in what we
believe is in the best interest for everyone in our peer group. Please, read
this paper written by a publicized University Professor and used with their
permission on this website >>> UNION
MADE <<<. Hopefully it will help you make your decision.
Also, we are glad to hear the type of "advice" that
management is giving out to you. But remember this, just because they are in a
"position of authority" does not make them right about everything.
Nothing personal to any of our management, but many in life abuse authority. In
the specific advice they gave you though, we agree.
Feel free to continue to provide Feedback Doug, as you know, we
post them (as long as you are not attacking any group and are keeping it to the
real issues at hand...the Union). Give us your side, we'll give you ours. As you
know though, early on you have already covered many topics that we responded to
already, so please refrain from being redundant.
Sometimes it is best to "agree to disagree". Things
stay calmer that way.
Good Luck to you.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #273) From a 21 Dealer 11-25-07:
People like Douglas Chavez are important and necessary to
this whole process. Whatever his motivation for taking a particular stance on
issues, it provides a chance for healthy debate. He highlights issues that
should be discussed and provides us with opportunity to inform everybody of the
benefits of a Union. Douglas should be treated with respect for his opinions,
and we should be thankful for him, because he brings us a little closer to
solidarity every time he opens his mouth.
RESPONSE:
We agree with you. We know maybe we got a little
"hard" on him in an earlier post, but he was getting hard on us. We
have posted many Feedbacks from him and have answered them with respect. We have
no problem with posting opposing opinions, but we will also be responding to
them.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #272) From a 21 Dealer 11-25-07:
CONGRATULATIONS FOXWOODS! I COULD TELL BY THE VOTE IT WAS A
TOUGH ONE. WE WILL BE JOINING YOU IN SOLIDARITY ON DEC.22 FROM A CAESARS PALACE
SISTER!!!
RESPONSE:
DITTO!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #271) From a Day Shift Dealer
11-25-07:
Concerning our existing 401-K, can they take away any of the
funds in our account. I've heard we will probably have a pension with the union,
which I've heard will be better than a 401-K, but I'm nervous about what will
happen to the money I've worked so hard to accumulate. I'm hoping they cannot
legally take away any of that money. I've heard that they count our 401-K as
part of Harrah's net worth, so I'm sure they don't want to lose these funds. I'm
hoping we will be able to transfer existing funds to a privately held fund.
Thank you for your input.
RESPONSE:
They can NOT take away any funds from our 401K. The question
about retirement plans changes as we change. Initially, while we are in
negotiations for our Collective Bargaining Agreement, EVERYTHING and ALL
POLICIES stays "status quo". They can change nothing. Not our 401K,
not our tokes, not our insurance, nothing. All will remain exactly as it is
while we negotiate. We do not foresee us losing anything in negotiations, but
only gaining. There are many other Union contracts on our property that have set
precedents. We are employees on the same property and will be expecting similar
treatment in contract negotiations as the other Union members have.
As for a "pension", the TWU allows their Locals (our
Local being Local 721) to run autonomously. Another words, the Locals set up
their own rules with their own officers. While Local 721 is a new Local and
membership is very small at this time (only the Dealers in Nevada who have or
who are organizing), we expect it to grow rapidly. Until we reach a membership
size where we could investigate the possibilities of a "pension", it
will behoove us to keep our current 401K plan with CP. However, while keeping
our same 401K, we will be able to negotiate different rates. If however, down
the road as our Local grows and we want to go the way of a pension, we will have
that option. If we do, then at that time the 401K will be "frozen" and
will not be able to be touched until retirement. We are not allowed to
contribute to both a 401K and a pension plan at the same time. We assume that is
an IRS/Federal law. If we go the route of a pension and our 401K is
"frozen", CP can NOT withdraw anything from it either. Those funds are
yours when you retire, along with any pension you may have accumulated as well.
We will be having an "Open House" meeting VERY soon.
Please, everyone come with your questions there for clearer answers from the TWU
Organizers themselves. Watch your mailboxes for an announcement of the dates and
times of the Meetings.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #270) From a Swing Shift Dealer
11-25-07:
I just received my letter from Mr. Wike and I am appalled.
Does this man have no shame? Is he kidding or what? All of a sudden he cares
about our welfare, worrying that the union reps will annoy us at home?
Here is a man whom I have worked for since he started at
Caesars--a man who has never once acknowledged my existence (when he comes into
a pit he speaks only to a chosen few)--and he is worried about me now???? I
think not! I think he should worry about his own sorry butt! A lot of our
worries and concerns stem from his so-called leadership.
He makes me laugh along with his people beneath him. They
treat us like children....stupid children at that!! Well, we have some news for
you, Mr. Wike. We are not scared, stupid children.
We will make our own decisions about the union. We do not
need your input or protection. You never cared how any of us felt before. So
please, spare us your phony concern!
I really hope that someday, you will be at the mercy of your
superiors and will get just what you have given us!
RESPONSE:
This Readers response is similar from what we are hearing from
every Dealer.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #269) From a Swing Shift Dealer
11-25-07:
I just checked out the Lake Tahoe website. While it is still
in the beginning stages, I have to commend them for their information. It was
interesting and informative. Everyone should check it out and support them and
give them our feedback when appropriate. Thanks Lake Tahoe Dealers!! Good Luck!!
RESPONSE:
Yes it is a very informative website! Check it out everyone at www.laketahoedealers.com
and give them some feedback and your support.
We would like to add, that if you intend to leave feedback on
their website, you MUST use the www. in front of their address, although you can
visit the site without the www. in front, doing so will prevent anyone from
leaving feedback for some reason.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #268) From a Swing Shift Dealer 11-24-07:
Open letter to Jimmy Wike
I received your letter at my home. It's the same home that
you claim that the TWU harasses me at. I want the TWU to contact me whenever
they feel they need to. You, on the other hand, I don't want to here from at
all. I've been hearing from you for years and you haven't said anything to
benefit me.
I have been hammered in evaluations by your supervisors that
for some reason I don't work directly with. One supervisor is in a different
part of the casino and one was on a different shift. When I questioned this, I
was told that that's just how it is. The supervisor that went over my
evaluation, one who I did work with agreed with me that she didn't understand
the negative evaluation. She said that while working with me, she just did not
see me in a negative way.
Jimmy, I really appreciated working on Saturdays at 9pm when
all week I worked at 8pm. By the way , Saturday was my Friday. Jimmy, that was
your policy of days off seniority. No discussing that one, although I tried to
with one of your brainwashed ACM's.
Also I appreciated your two for one policy while training the
new dealers. Nothing against them, but you paid them with my money,
thanks.
I could go on and on, but I'll come to my point. Please stop harassing
me at my home with your bullshit letters. I own a home, I've been married to the
same woman over twenty years, I have put two kids through college, I have lived
most of my life not knowing that you even existed, so please don't try to give
me advice on what I should do concerning the TWU. I'm able to make my own
decisions.
RESPONSE:
We have yet to hear from ONE Dealer who appreciated the letter
sent by J.W.
We have a copy of it as well, and it will be addressed in it's entirety
very soon. We are just making sure that our response is appropriate, and we have
to gain a cooler head after reading it. We will answer ALL 10 (or was it more
like 17 questions disguised as 10? Par for the course.) questions within the
next few days.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #267) From a 21 Dealer 11-24-07:
Mr. Wike, I was not going to address you personally, but because
you sent a letter to my house signed by you I feel I may.
Those are some specific questions you ask. Will you put
any guarantees in writing? Will you speak on my behalf? You've never even spoken
to me. Are you threatening my 401, my benefits, my PTO?
I am not interested in the contract the TWU negotiated on at
the Frontier, they tore it down.
Why would I wait on Wynn, so I can see if you can take my
tokes too?
I am proud to work at Caesars, I enjoy my job, been doing it
many years and am still part-time. Why is that? Is the company investing in my
future? I think not!
Pushing for Union? Job security, seniority, toke security, a
voice. Apparently you have never thought those things important.
Is my frustration any reason to vote union? Most
certainly it is! You do not listen to the dealers, never have, probably never
will!
I know a lot about the TWU, look at the website. Call, search
the internet, you too can learn a lot about the TWU. The TWU will be our voice,
since my single voice was not important to you!
I am not interested in your answers now, you never wanted to
answer my questions before.
RESPONSE:
Now there's a Reader telling it like it is! APPLAUD!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #266) From a Doug Chavez 11-24-07:
first of all, i truly hope you will post my responce on the
website because some of what your saying is false and misleading. let me start
by saying that anything in the breakroom that is posted on the walls needs to
have managements approval before going up. none of the union material has
permission, therefore can be taken to anytime. as for all the trash being left
on all the tables with the lies that are being spread for example the flier that
has union with all the yeses on it, like if you vote union you get all that
stuff is not true, all voting union gets you is a negotiation. you obviously
have no idea where im from because im from wa. and i do deal every game except
tiles. please get your facts straight before you post. going on. IF YOU HAVE A
POSITIVE ATTITUDE, GIVE GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE AND DEAL TO THE BEST OF YOUR
ABILITY THEN YOU DO NOT NEED THE UNION. please now, the stand im taking is not
just for me, but for all the dealers, i truly believe we are better off without
the union. i cannot give my approval for the dealers to give out 25000 per month
(50x500)for someone to come in and say i will try my best the union promises
nothing please look at the frontier contract its a joke. or at least let us wait
to see the wynn contract to see if its worth it. and to ...... if you read this
i have never had a problem with any dealer at work and i tried to apologize to
you twice if i upset you but i do not want my stand to upset anyone. but someone
has to stand up for the non union side so that we can all together make the best
choice.
if i dont see my responce posted i will probly just print 100 copies of what you
said about me and my responce and put it in the breakroom as an example of how
one sided this site is and how it doesnt really care about whats best for the
dealers.
one more thing, the dealers at wynn had a case to put where the iho could put
all there pro union material and our iho have not even asked for a spot, so
technically nothing pro union is safe in the breakroom
RESPONSE:
We have posted all of your other feedbacks, why not this one?
We won't edit or clean it up for you, because we don't want you to say how we changed
it. Posted exactly how it was received. We have used your name because you are
writing comments on the flyers in the break room and signing your name to
them. Evidently you have no problem with us using your name on your posts. You
also included your name and email address with your post.
Okay, so we had been informed you were from a different area of
the country. We apologize for that. We stand corrected.
DC writes, "let me start by saying that anything in the
breakroom that is posted on the walls needs to have managements approval before
going up. none of the union material has permission, therefore can be taken to
anytime." So, are you acting on behalf of management and monitoring the
break room? Funny, we thought you were a dealer. We wrong there?
DC writes, "as for all the trash being left on all the
tables with the lies that are being spread for example the flier that has
union with all the yeses on it, like if you vote union you get all that stuff
is not true, all voting union gets you is a negotiation." What do you
think comes out of negotiations? All of the stuff that is listed under the
"yes" column IS possible with a Union, but NONE of it is possible
WITHOUT the Union. Nowhere on the flyers does it say that these things are
guaranteed now does it? Go ask any other Union employee if the list is accurate
in their situation. Go ahead, go ask them. They ALL have what is listed under
the Union column. Why should we not have some reasonable expectation of the
same? Tell us, were you "negotiating" something for yourself in the
office when you were late returning to your game? What did you negotiate?
Share it with all of us if you want us to make an educated decision. Prove
your point. Show us what you can negotiate by yourself.
DC writes, "IF YOU HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE, GIVE
GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE AND DEAL TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY THEN YOU DO NOT
NEED THE UNION." Really? Many of us have been at CP for decades and
have given just that. We do need a Union. Maybe if you spend as much time on
ONE job as many of us have, you would learn the truth.
DC writes. "i cannot give my approval for the dealers
to give out 25000 per month (50x500)for someone to come in and say i will try
my best " What? Oh, maybe you are talking about Union Dues. Well
Doug, IF YOU HAD DONE YOUR HOMEWORK you would know that neither do you have to
pay Union Dues, you do not have to belong to the Union when it is voted in.
"RIGHT TO WORK STATE" Do your homework and GET YOUR FACTS straight.
DC writes, "the union promises nothing". Not
true. The Union promises Solidarity and a spot at the negotiating table. It is
up to US to make the best of it. Without the power to negotiate, we have no
power.
DC writes, "please look at the frontier contract its a
joke." Maybe it is, BUT the Dealers of the Frontier DID ratify it!
They are the one's who negotiated that contact and voted on it and approved
it. If it was a bad contract there is nobody to blame but those who voted yes
to accept it. DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Geeeeesh!
DC writes, "or at least let us wait to see the wynn
contract to see if its worth it." You don't get it do you? That is
EXACTLY what management wants us to do! OPEN YOUR EYES! The casinos run this
state. What do you think the courts are going to rule in the Wynn case? That
he CAN take their tokes for redistribution? Should we wait for that decision?
If the court DOES decide for Steve, then it will cost you a LOT more than the
$50 a month you are complaining about not having to pay. Grasp some reality.
Many of us have been in Nevada and the gaming business longer than you are
old, we know how it works in this state. Learn from us Doug. We are truly
looking out for not only ourselves, but for you too.
DC writes, "if you read this i have never had a
problem with any dealer at work and i tried to apologize to you twice if i
upset you but i do not want my stand to upset anyone." But you are.
DC writes, "so that we can all together make the best
choice." B-I-N-G-O!!! We can NOT stand together WITHOUT a Union Doug.
That is the purpose of organizing, don't you see that? Read the website Doug.
Learn about our history. We HAVE gone without a Union for long enough, and all
it has gotten us is disrespect, fear for our jobs and lost benefits.
Now, print 100 copies of your feedback and our response Doug.
Feel free. We won't rip them down like you have done. But do us one favor,
also print the response to your feedback. Like you have stated, there are two
sides.
One last thing, we are NOT THE WYNN! God bless them, but our
situation is different. It is terrible what happened there, and we ARE going
to prevent it from happening to us. Lock in what we have with a
"YES" vote!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #265) From a Dealer 11-24-07:
Swing shift Extra board dealer Doug Chavez is ripping down
union flyers off the walls and grabbing the ones off the tables crumpling them
up and throwing them in the trash. When confronted about it he said quote
"There are two sides". As far as I know there haven't been any
instances of pro union advocates destroying literature. I would like you to make
sure every dealer in the house is informed of Doug Chavez's behavior, and let
them know it will not be tolerated.
RESPONSE:
We was wondering when we were going to hear from this guy again.
When the website first came online, he kept himself busy sending us feedback and
bashing us. We did post all of his feedback, and maybe we will post it all again
to remind everyone who this guy is.
D... C..... is basically new to Las Vegas. He moved here from
one of the southern gaming states. He claims he deals all of the games (we have
never seen him on Baccarat, Pai Gow, tiles or roulette, but could be wrong
there) and should be promoted to full-time over everyone else because of it. He
has made statements that the Union is good for Full-time Dealers, but not for
the Extra-board because he does not feel that seniority is a fair way to
promote.
D... C..... if there are "two sides", then why don't
you do as we have done? Build a website promoting your side? Print up flyers?
No? To much like "work"? Why don't you sit in the Dealer's Lounge and
tell everyone your side C.....? Afraid to? Why don't you educate everyone about
the "other side"?
Tearing down and throwing away the flyers going to get you
promoted D...? We heard you were in the office and were late coming back to your
game. What was up with that? Did you make up the time to the Dealer you were
late taking out? No?
You may want to know C..... that being promoted or promised to
be promoted for anti-union activity is against Federal law. Did you know that?
Do you care? Anything to be promoted over someone else huh D...? You think they
will break Federal Law for you D...? We will be watching for that.
Hey D..., do you know how many management teams we have been
through? Who has been at CP over say 5 years? None? Well, we have 40 year
Dealers. Management will be long gone, but the Dealers, the people who you work
with on the Dice table, will still be here.
Did you get promoted to Full-time with the last batch just
recently D...? Why not? You were more senior than some of them probably. Oh
that's right, you believe in "meritorious advancement". Well D..., evidently
you are not "cutting the mustard" then, because you are still
extra-board. So, now you resort to turning on over 400 of the Dealers who sent
in A-Cards and who you work with to get promoted? Very "meritorious"
D... Says a LOT about who you really are, but you don't care do you.
Please Sir, make me full-time, please Sir, I'll do anything,
anything but put in my time.
People, don't be turned off by this guy or our post here. If you
want, request the feedbacks and emails we received from this guy and you will
see why we have taken the tone with him that we have.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #264) From a 21 Dealer 11-24-07:
Heard a whisper that anyone voted in as a Union Rep will have
some sort of Mega seniority, above all others. Is this true or Union Busting
tactics?
RESPONSE:
Huh? Sounds like someone just trying to stir something up. We
don't believe that CP will grant anyone any type of "mega seniority".
They don't even want the Union in (spending money on two men to come in to
"educate" us), so why the "reward"?
There will be two types of Union Representatives voted in by the
Dealers once we vote in the Union, Shop Stewards and Contract Negotiators.
Shop Stewards may have to have flexible schedules because of
their duties. Whenever a Union employee is called into the office and requests
a Shop Steward to be present, the company must abide. Don't know if that can
be construed as "mega seniority" though, just possibly a scheduling
thing, even if that. How hard is it to pull an apron to "push" the
Shop Steward to accompany a member to the office?
Contract Negotiators must be allowed "off days" on
the days negotiations are to take place. They will be reimbursed any
wages/tokes by the Union for time off for negotiation days. We see no extra
"mega seniority" there either.
Remember people, there will be many "rumors" flying
around. Some innocently and others purposefully. We had an "Open
House" meeting once in October for everyone to come and ask questions.
The Dealers can become more educated on the entire process if they come to the
next "Open House" meetings we are scheduling very soon. We want
everyone to attend these meetings, pro-union or anti-union people. Come with
your questions and get solid answers. We will not "have to check on it
and get back with you" on your questions, such as the
"moderators" in the CP mandatory meetings. The answers will be
there.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #263) From the IUGE 11-23-07:
THANK
YOU, STEVE WYNN. THANK YOU.
Gaming
dealers in
Las Vegas
, and for that matter, statewide, have always had legitimate reasons to harbor
resentment against their employers. Chief among them was, and still is, job
security. To be at the mercy of a management team who has no interest in your
welfare, much less your survival is not a good place to be.
Of course, there are many other issues, most dealers would agree, that set
them apart from almost any other worker in the American work force. In terms
of workplace rights, wages and benefits, dealers are at the bottom of the
heap. They reside in a pre-fair deal workplace with no way out. Arbitrary
firings, frozen wages, zero sick time, workman’s comp denials; the list goes
on.
But all this was never enough for the dealers to gather together the steam and
the gumption needed to organize themselves into a union which could speak and
fight for them.
Many Americans have sought the protection of unions. Teachers, firemen,
policemen, state and federal workers and so many other groups have organized,
but casino workers never took the step.
Now, thanks to Steve Wynn, the dealers finally have the one issue that could
turn the trick.
TAKING OUR TOKES!
Attack our income, steal our tokes and now we have a battle cry that will bind
us together and give us the rock-solid motivation we need to create a union of
our own. One that will do battle with the wizards of the backroom deal, the
manipulators of law makers and judges, the iron hands of the casino pit, our
oppressors.
But Wynn and Pascal were not the first to attempt to hijack dealer’s tokes.
On July 19, 1999 the International Union of Gaming Employees (IUGE) sent a
letter to Brian McMullan, the then president and CEO of the Resort at
Summerlin. In it we declared our opposition to their newly adopted policy of
taking dealer’s tokes to benefit casino floor people. We quoted three court
cases each of which stated that the employer may not use or retain tip money
for his own benefit. Within days the executives responsible for the policy
were let go and the policy abandoned. Here we are seven years later and again
facing the same issue.
By
the way, the Wynn dealers, Daniel Baldonado and Joseph Cesarz, who are
organizing a legal challenge to Mr. Wynn’s and Mr. Pascal’s money grab,
deserve hero status in the dealer’s hall of fame. It takes guts to stand up
to Wynn and his crew, and they should be applauded.
We know Steve Wynn has a reputation as a good employer. One can only wonder
whether Wynn president Andrew Pascal, in his desire to enhance his bottom line
and improve shareholder loyalty has made a fatal error in adopting this flawed
policy.
But now it is time that we ask all dealers to face the Wynn resort and
genuflect to Steve Wynn and Andrew Pascal and thank them for finally giving us
an issue that cannot be ignored, a fight that cannot be avoided, and a war
that cannot be lost.
Now that the door has been opened and the vultures have whet their appetites
for our money, the time is upon us to do what we all know must be done.
Dealer’s
Union
, do not be afraid. Dealer’s
Union
, we stand together. Dealer’s
Union
, finally!
Tony
Badillo
Jack
Lipsman
Las Vegas
RESPONSE:
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #262) From a Dealer
11-23-07:
GOOD LUCK TO FOXWOODS TOMORROW!
WE ARE WAITING FOR YOUR GOOD NEWS AND LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR
VOTE ON DEC.22ND.
GO UNION GO!
SOLADARITY IS THE ANSWER!
VOTE YES TO THE UNION!
RESPONSE:
Hear! Hear!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #261) From a Dealer
11-23-07:
The President Gary Selesner blatantly lied about not using
our attendance to determine whether or not we got bonuses on our review. Well I
just got my yearly review and of course it was sent back to be redone because I
had 6 points (do to asthma) and was told this was the reason I did not get a
bonus. Totally disregarding the countless service awards in my file and emails
for accommodation from other supervisors including one where I saved a mans life
who was having a stroke. They used my attendance as the scape-goat in total
contradiction to what he promised in a meeting with close to 80 dealers present.
RESPONSE:
It seems to us that either Mr. Selesner doesn't know what is
going on on the properties he is in charge of, or he lied.
If he doesn't know what is going on on his properties, then why
is he the President of Harrah's Western Division? Isn't it his responsibility to
know what is going on on his properties he is in charge of?
No matter what their excuse is, there is no excuse. If they fail
us in any of their policies they just say "ooops, I stubbed my toe"
and try to walk away from it.
We are curious, does the Reader have FMLA? Were their absences
recorded as FMLA days? If so, then they should have ZERO points.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #260) From a Dayshift Dealer
11-23-07:
In response to post #259:
This is incredible!!! This is our employer [HARRAH'S] at its
best. Why do I feel that when the new owners come in this Jan., that Harrah's
will try this because "the new owners want it".
PROTECT OUR MONEY.
VOTE YES FOR OUR STRENGTH.
RESPONSE:
Please remember everyone, it is "Harrah's" who is
trying to claim that they do not NOW intend to take our tokes for
redistribution. EVERYTHING can change with the new owners, because it is like
the Reader writes, "the new owners want it"! It is NOT the new
owners making any such claim as Harrah's is, so they can easily say, "We
did not make those claims".
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #259) From a 21 Dealer 11-23-07:
The power of a union.
I talked to one of Caesars Gourmet Food Servers who mentioned
that Harrah's was going to force them to start splitting their tokes with the
Sommeliers (wine servers).
The Sommeliers get about 30 thousand a year and very few
tokes the servers can make more than a dealer! But guess what?
They are management, not union! Sounds familiar right?
Yeah, Instead of a multi-billion dollar corporation paying
the Sommeliers more, or a percentage of wine sales (a pretty simple solution),
they once again try to shake down the working stiff for the tab!
But wait, in comes the union reps to the rescue and low and
behold Harrah's has to back down!
Thank you union representation!
What's really funny is this server was, until now, anti
union! I wonder what he has to say now?
RESPONSE:
A fine example WHY we need to join/form a Union NOW!
Think about this everyone, if management does something that
affects every employee in the corporation and it saves management just $1 a day
per employee (costs the employee $1 a day), that is $80,000 per day, or $29.2
million a year, in their pocket (an estimated 80K employees work for Harrah's)!
Yes, just a few pennies a day from every employee adds up fast.
How many supervisors are there in all of their casinos? How much
can they save and how much will the tipped employee lose if they can steal our
tips to supplement their pay/salaries?
Do not even entertain the idea that they will not take our tips,
if we allow them by not protecting ourselves NOW!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #258) From a 21 Dealer 11-22-07:
I just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to the webmaster, the
IHOs, and the committee, also the union guys from the TWU and all your families.
I am thankful today that you guys stuck your neck out and worked really hard to
give us our day at the polls. I hope you all have a very peaceful, abundant day!
Thank You!
RESPONSE:
Thanks!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #257) From a 21 Dealer 11-22-07:
HI: Been dealing 21 for a long time here 33 yrs. Have a BS
degree as well in Hotel.
My question WHY the TWU and Not the UAW or The Iron Workers
union? Seems to me they would be better and stronger. If you dealing in a Major
strip Hotel, I don't think anyone will walk when the income is +$50,000. Look
around, all my company wants to hire is other.
It's true what you say about points, being sick etc and I
agree the corporations keep taking and taking. Everyone else is a union member
in Las Vegas and WHY NOT CASINO DEALERS? GO GET 'EM. Hear we are trying to at
one of MGM/Mirage Properties.
Good Luck
RESPONSE:
Thanks for dropping by! We were not going to put any posts on
today, being it Thanksgiving and all, but felt this Reader has some questions
that we must address.
The Reader asks, "My question WHY the TWU and Not the
UAW or The Iron Workers union? Seems to me they would be better and stronger."
Good question. When The Wynn Dealers were looking for a Union
to help represent them, they asked several Unions, including the UAW, but all
declined. EXCEPT the TWU! They did not hesitate to come help. That is the
first sign of strength and solidarity, no hesitation to come help. We believe
that all Dealers in Las Vegas should belong to the same Union. Strength.
Yes, the TWU does represent "baggage handlers", but
the next time you watch the Space Shuttle prepare for launch, check out the
ground crews there. They are TWU members too. The TWU represents MANY
different types of workers, as does the UAW.
In Detroit, it is the UAW which represents the Dealers there,
but there are problems. The contracts in Detroit include five different Unions
on one contract. Not good. When one of the Unions is not satisfied with the
contract, but the other four are, oh well. The contract gets ratified. That
will not happen with Local 721.
The TWU has been in existence for over 70 years now. How many
casino companies have that life-span? None. Unions were first formed in 1934.
The TWU was formed just three years after the first Unions were formed in
America, and has been in existence ever since. Pretty strong if you ask us.
Also, the TWU has over 120,000 members, and yes, many are airline workers. Who
supplies the tourists to Las Vegas? The airlines. Strength.
The Locals of the TWU are autonomous. Another words, each Local
elects their own President, Secretary, Treasurer, etc... The TWU International
does NOT run the Locals, the Local members do. So, Local 721, Las Vegas
Dealers Union, will be ran by Dealers. Yes, they will be/become educated. It's
a beautiful thing!
Over the last ten years, the Dealers at Caesars Palace have
not gained anything without a Union, but have lost much. The day we vote the
Union in, on 12/22/07, we will have a contract. That's right. How? Because
when the Union is voted in everything stays "status quo". We have
been losing everything over the last ten years, and when we vote the Union in,
the losses stop. Status Quo. However, while in negotiations, they must
continue to give us things that are scheduled, such as the $.04 raises, like
we were getting without the Union. We will not lose anything. We will only
gain through negotiations. An avenue we didn't have without a Union.
Theoretically, we can work for years without a contract, and
we are gaining just by keeping what we had when we voted in the Union.
Especially considering that we were doing nothing but getting everything taken
away from us without the Union. That is a gain in itself. So, as we maintain
our status quo and proceed with negotiations, other casinos will be
organizing. In a few months, maybe ten will organize, then another 20 in a few
more months, then another 50 a few months after that, and eventually we foresee
every casino Dealer in Las Vegas being part of our Union. Strength.
Also, we hopefully can consider some type of training program
where the Union trains professional Dealers. This will benefit both the
casinos and the Dealers. Think about "apprenticeship programs" ran
by Trade Unions. Maybe we can do something very similar to that. This is a
whole other topic though, but know this everyone, there are some very big
plans. Plans that will benefit everyone involved, workers and business alike.
We hope we have answered your question "Why the TWU"
to your satisfaction. If not, please write us again and hopefully we will be
able to provide more information.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #256) From the Organizing
Committee 11-21-07:
ANOTHER DEALER'S WEBSITE IS ONLINE!
That's right, Dealers from another casino had created their
website to get their Union Drive started in Lake Tahoe!
LakeTahoeDealers.com
is ONLINE!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #255) From a Harrah's Property Dealer
11-21-07:
This is a very exciting time for dealers. So many are
counting on your success. If a dominant strip property like Caesars goes union
then the whole town may find the courage to follow suit, unlike the last time
there was a union vote for dealers in Vegas.
I see on your web site that anyone can fill in a card. Could
you please explain what that entails. I work for another Harrah's property and
have not heard of any plans to form a union. But Lord knows we all need to be
unionized, I can't even imagine what changes are in store for us after the Harrah's
sell is final.
God Bless You all for your hard work.
Bring Dignity back to Workers in America. Bring back what we
can of the good old days.
Give us Unity!!!
Vote YES!
You can all change the landscape of VEGAS!
RESPONSE:
Thanks for visiting!
Caesars Palace Dealers, as you can see, every Dealer in LV is
counting on us. Let's show them the way!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
Vote "YES" on
12/22/07!
(Post #254) From a Swing Shift Dealer 11-20-07:
The founding father of Apollo Management owns a billion
dollar art collection. A billion! Once his IPO happens another billion! You have
no vested interest in Harrah's anymore. Only the select few have an interest.
Leon Black founded Apollo Management in 1990. Prior to this, he was an executive
at Drexel Burnham.
Currently, Apollo has $16 billion in assets. Its most recent fund -- Fund VI,
L.P. – has $12 billion in assets. The firm has struck 76 deals and has posted
average annual returns of 34%.
Apollo tends to focus on underperforming – or even distressed – companies.
The firm has a strong operational team that knows how to fix up companies.
Although, Apollo has recently been venturing beyond such deals. For example, the
firmed teamed with the Texas Pacific Group to buy Harrah’s, which is a
top-performing company.
Other investment vehicles from Apollo include:
• Apollo Real Estate Advisors
• Apollo Investment Company
According to reports from the Wall Street Journal, it looks like Black is
exploring either a private placement or a public offering. It could net him $1
billion or more.
Bio: Leon Black
Founding Partner of Apollo Management LP
Age: 56
Leon Black graduated from Dartmouth and then attended Harvard Business School.
In his second year, his father committed suicide.
From there, he began his career on Wall Street with Drexel Burnham Lambert and
worked for the legendary Mike Milken. He learned how to structure junk bond
financing and was part of some of the biggest leveraged buyouts during the
1980s.
However, by the late 1980s, the buyout boomed ended and Drexel sunk into
bankruptcy. As for Black, he saw a big opportunity.
So, in 1990, he formed Apollo Management and bought Executive Life, which was a
major holder of junk bonds. It turned out to be a stellar deal.
Black has a reputation for negotiating hard. He also focuses on underperforming
or distressed companies.
He also has an extensive art collection, which is estimated to be worth more
than $1 billion.
RESPONSE:
VERY interesting!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #253) From a Swing Shift Dealer 11-20-07:
My fellow dealers,
Do you remember when if a dealer was sick or had a broken arm
or a wrist/finger management would let us work at the Big 6 or as a apron? But
JW, in his infinite wisdom, stopped this compassion for us. He stated if you
cannot deal all the games that you know, we do not require your services. So you
(dealer) should go home and come back when you can deal all the games that you
are supposed to deal. Dealers that were hurt or sick could not be helped, so
they had to suffer and not get any money/tokes for as long as they could not
perform their job at peak performance. This is how they feel about us they think
that we are a piece of rag and they can abuse us as much as they want to.
CAESARS PALACE was the epitome of a dealing job! They treated
us with so much respect and love, but all of this has changed.
Do you know why all of this has changed? It's because we have
been bought and sold so many times by major conglomerates that we are just a
number to them. No more caring for us, just abuse us and we just take it by
saying yes sir, thank you sir, thank you so much.
We can change all of this on 22 Dec 07! Please dealers, even
if you are off this day please come in to vote at the times that are allotted to
us. We will not get a second chance, no absentee ballots, no tomorrow just 22
Dec 07
This
is D-DAY for us!
Stay together stay strong stay united and most important
please vote YES FOR TWU
We need better benefits, we need to make sure they do not
take away our tokes. We need to get paid at least the same wages as a cocktail
waitress at Caesars Palace.
Does management not think that our expenses have gone up? It
cost us 40.00$ to fill our car. We can barely get any groceries for 100.00$. Our
insurance costs us more, our out of pocket expenses have gone up with this insurance.
Yet we still make the same as what we made 20 yrs ago! No chance for a raise
only the federal minimum wage applies to us, if this goes up then our wages go
up, if not tough luck. If they do give us a raise its a joke, they give us a
raise of 3 to 5 cents an hour! Is this a cruel joke?
My fellow dealers 22nd Dec 07 is the most crucial day for us.
Please all dealers that were employed on Nov 15th 07, this includes Part timers,
Pussy Cat dealers, full time dealers "of course" all crap dealers, all
21 dealers every dealer at Caesars that work in the pits of Caesars Palace.
Pussy Cat dealers, I am so proud of you all, its just
beautiful! You all have come through for all the dealers at Caesars Palace. We
love having you working with us! It gives me great pleasure that I can work side
by side with you all. Pussy Cat dealers you all our real classy ladies and I
salute you all.
Just remember we have to vote yes on22 Dec07 even its your
day off, you and all the other dealers have to make time to come and vote and
you all please vote A RESOUNDING YES FOR TWU.
Strength and Honor
Your fellow dealer.
The Romans our here and there is no
stopping us, not now not ever.
xoxo
RESPONSE:
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #252) From a MGM/Mirage Dealer 11-20-07:
In response to post #246,
UNITED YOU WILL BARGAIN DIVIDED YOU WILL BEG.
cp dealers stay united
Vote YES on Dec 22, 2007
so you may walk proud and united with your collective
bargaining agreement signed on Dec.22,2008.
RESPONSE:
Our thoughts exactly!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #251) From a Swing Shift Dealer 11-20-07:
Dear Caesars Palace Dealers
Please do not loose sight of the most
important date in your life DECEMBER 22, 2007.
This is our day and we will all shine this day.
Please if you are off work this day make a little sacrifice
in your life and come in to VOTE Vote YES for the union, cause this will
not only help you but the future generation of dealers (maybe your own sons and
daughter or maybe your grand kids).
Please dealers if there is anything you do on the 22nd of
December 2007 it is to vote and vote YES for the UNION. Great hopes and
expectations lies with these votes at Caesars Palace everybody is looking at us,
they expect leadership from CAESARS PALACE DEALERS, lets prove them right!
RESPONSE:
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #250) From a Full-time Dealer 11-20-07:
My Fellow Caesars Palace Dealers,
Remember in the next 5 weeks that "union busters" will come in many
forms.
Some will try to divide us such as "old time dealers
against the new dealers"
They may come in the form of dealers themselves portraying
pro-union while down grading other dealers.
Look for the devil in the angel suit.
DON'T LET THAT HAPPEN!
We only win when we stay united!
ALSO, IF YOU ARE OFF SAT. DEC.22-YOU
MUST COME IN AND VOTE IN PERSON!!!
THE VOTING TIMES ARE 9:30AM-2:30PM
AND 6:30PM-11:30PM. WE WILL BE VOTING IN THE
TRAINING ROOM NEXT TO CLEOS!!
TAKE TIME OUT FROM YOUR BUSY HOLIDAY TO VOTE!!
YOU ARE MAKING HISTORY FOR EVERY DEALER IN LAS VEGAS. YOU ARE
IMPORTANT!!! EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!!!
I CAN TELL YOU THAT BELLAGIO DEALERS ARE ASKING FOR BUMPER
STICKERS AND UNION PINS TO WEAR UNDER THEIR VESTS! WE HAVE SUPPORT AND THEY ARE
ALL WAITING TO SEE IF WE STICK TOGETHER. LET US NOT LET THE ENTIRE DEALER BODY
OF LAS VEGAS DOWN.
THE ATLANTIC CITY CASINOS ARE GOING UNION AT A RECORD PACE.
FOXWOODS HAS THEIR VOTE IN NOV.
WE ARE THE LEADERS IN LAS VEGAS!!
STAY STRONG ---STAY UNITED---VOTE YES ON SAT. DEC. 22.
RESPONSE:
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #249) From an Atlantic City
Dealer 11-20-07:
Caesars Palace- you're going to get a LOT of negative crap
about why you shouldn't be involved with unionizing. Memos, meetings, scare
tactics, maybe even phone calls to your respective homes. DON'T GIVE IN!!!! They
have tried it in Atlantic City, even so far as to threaten foreign dealers with
their green cards if they vote yes.
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Take notes at the meetings (you'll
probably even see the $94,000,000+ shyster himself at one of them). If you are
approached by the uppers and spoken to, write down the date, time and place it
happened. Take pictures (cell phones are great for this) of all the anti-union
rhetoric that the uppers will post in your break rooms. Give all of this to your
union reps, so that you have proof that the uppers are intimidating you.
They have resorted to illegal tactics in AC, they'll try to
do it in Vegas as well.
STAY STRONG!!!! You're on your way!!!
RESPONSE:
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #248) From a Wynn Dealer 11-20-07:
WAKE UP... The Union is the best thing that has happened to
Las Vegas Dealers ever. A little patience will see it through! Strength is in
numbers and that is what it is all about.
Admittedly, it is a process and patience is key here.
Be Strong and Unite!
RESPONSE:
AGREED!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #247) From the Organizing
Committee 11-20-07:
More stories in the Newspapers! The LV
Sun published these stories on Monday the 19th... "Dealers
Sour on Caesars" and "The
Dice Dealer" and "The
Card Dealer". Great job guys!
(Post #246) From a Full Time 11-18-07:
so now u admit that it could take years to sogn a contract.
but "nothing can change while we are negotiating"
Thats great NOT
So we vote in the union and yippie for us we get to keep everything we have now.
WAKE up the only leverage you have is to get Caesars to be anything better going
forward is to BEG management to change thier policies.
WAKE UP
RESPONSE:
Wake up? We have. Tell us, how has "begging" ever
worked for you? Do you have better insurance than the rest of us? A better
401K plan? Do you have a signed agreement stating your tokes can not be
touched by management? How is your seniority?
Yes, with everything "locked in" that is MUCH better
than having everything taken away don't you think? They have been bleeding us
for years. It has nothing to do with who they are hiring. There has always been
hiring and always veteran Dealers retiring. How many "day one" Dealers
are still at CP? None. People retire.
As for us keeping everything we have now, we guess you won't
mind giving up your tokes for redistribution? Guess what, with the Union voted
in they can NOT do that to us. Don't matter to you?
Let's see, the 401K was recently a 6% match, with the first 3%
being a 100% match and the next 3% being a 50% match. What is it now? A 3% match
and NO MORE. With a Union voted in at least they won't unilaterally take that
away.
They have already taken away so much, without a Union it will
continue. We do not see "begging" as an option. Bargaining on the
other hand IS an option.
As for the length of time it takes to get an agreement, who
knows, maybe we can get one in a few months and not "years" as you
have stated. If we don't try we won't find out now will we? Options. How many
do you have? Begging? Is that an "option"?
"Begging" did NOT get our toke bylaws back now did
it? What was J.W.'s words in the meeting concerning that? "That's not
going to change". Well, it DID and ONLY because of our Union drive!
Did "begging" get our INCREASED health insurance
premiums decreased? Nope. What did? The Union drive did!
Sorry, but "begging" is NOT leverage. How can you even
think that it is? Maybe there is someone else who should "wake up".
There is a much bigger picture being painted. Want to learn
about it? Join the organizing committee. When the Union has the "open
house" meetings, come. Ask questions. Get answers. Get involved TOGETHER
and get educated.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #245) From a Wynn Dealer 11-17-07:
Good luck to all the Caesars dealers! Don't be fooled by
anything they say, once they turn you, they will turn against you, be strong in
numbers, together we can get all the dealers in town. Alone not so strong,
together we can run the city. Good luck to all of you and VOTE YES DECEMBER
22ND...
UNION YES, UNION YES, UNION YES...Wynn dealers have given you our support keep
it strong....
RESPONSE:
Thanks for your Feedback and for your support!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #244) From a 21 Dealer 11-17-07:
It seems that our management DOES NOT UNDERSTAND what harassment
on the job means.
They just finished their classes, and on the week that we
signed up to go, and following their classes, we were subjected to one of the
worse cases so far in the Palace Court.
The high-roller player and his entourage constantly cursed
the dealer, the women were making out, tonguing each other, had their hands down
the guys pants. The player blew cigar smoke in the dealers face all night and
continually verbally abused the dealer. I can't even write all things that
was said to the dealer. (Webmaster's note: we edited some of the reported
actions of the players entourage, so as not to offend anyone here, it was very
nasty stuff) Many of the other players in the Palace Court left because they
were offended.
The graveyard shift manager and ACM made the dealers put up
with this for 8 hours. The ACM said he had to check with Human Resources on
backing the guy off. The supervisor said he couldn't do anything about it but
call the shift manager.
We heard when J.W. came in, he told them to back the guy off
and not to put up with that abuse.
The player was back today and didn't sign his 600 thousand
dollar marker. Imagine that, an upstanding player like that!
People this is just one example of what we go through on a
daily basis.
We have to attend these classes, then we are treated like
third-class citizens and management always takes the players side.
Vote Yes to the Union and put an end to this abuse once and
for all!!!
RESPONSE:
We work in an environment filled with double standards. One of favoritism.
Is this how we really want it? Maybe a few do, because it is how they like to
play the game. Folks, this is our lives, this is no game. Leave the games for
the family nights with your children and your loved ones and the Monopoly
boards.
We had to edit a lot of post #244 because we found the
actions/language of the player to be to offensive for us. Imagine how the
Dealers on the game felt!
It is absolutely appalling that ANY shift manager would allow
this kind of activity to go on. What repercussions did the managers suffer?
None. They just walked away from it all, while the Floor and Dealer were there
putting their jobs on the line for Caesars Palace. Strange thing is, we just
lost another Dealer (fired) last week because a customer overheard part of a
conversation between two employees, was offended, and reported it. But the
managers involved in the Palace Court incident are still working and are being
paid to "make no decisions" and continue to let the Dealers/Floor be
abused. Did the managers at least get put on "investigative
suspension"? Not that we are aware of. Yet they grossly neglected their
responsibilities.
At least J.W. put a stop to it, or how much longer than the 8
hours would it have gone on? What options did/do the Dealer and Floor have?
None.
Enough is enough!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #243) From a 21 Dealer 11-16-07:
Today Caesars put out a memo to let us all know about the
voting date, however, at the bottom of the memo they stated that in the next
five weeks they would have meetings to let us know who TWU really is. I think we
have been over that time and time again on this website.. and boys I thought you
were reading this...We may not know TWU as well as we know you but then that is
why we are trying to organize.
We already know that every union employee makes more money,
has better benefits, has seniority recognized, and gets representation during a
dispute with management. I really want some of that!!! I already know what I
have at Caesars. I had a quality job and a place I could be proud of to work
in.
Since Harrah's took over the quality of clientele has
diminished, our floor supervisors have been abused, demoted and certainly
overworked, the well oiled machine that we had, from management to front line,
has been destroyed, the lack of experience of the managers to run a top end
casino is apparent every day.
Now you bring in the union busters and have a meeting with
supervisors that you have abused and expect them to be on your side.
lol...really...lol
So you want us to follow the rules...not a problem...but can
your lack of floor coverage sustain that...acknowledge every shuffle, check and
money change, win/loss walks...who walked with what.
Come on guys, we are a team and we are professional and the
old dirty tricks will not work on us anymore. Even the dealers that have come to
this wonderful country know their rights now. They didn't come here to a free
country to be intimidated by "corporate dictators".
We will be a solid unit...with you being the driving force to
solidify us...so please ...keep having your meetings ..they really do help our
cause.
DEALERS....STAY STRONG...STAY AS ONE... SOLIDARITY IS OUR
STRENGTH...by the way ...how many other CEO's have told you to get us in line
because everyone is watching us?
CAESARS PALACE....we are the domino that will make all the
other hotels fall ...
UNION ....YES...YES...YES...
RESPONSE:
Yes, every Dealer can follow the procedures as we know them
(where is our procedure manual anyway), the "basics".
"Shuffle"...wait for an "okay". "Roll 'em
over"...wait for an "okay". "Change $100 on a
rating"...wait for an "okay". Not only will the pits come to a
standstill, but the Floor will become very irritated as they watch/cover six games.
This will just drive the Floor to signing more A-cards as well and filing their own
petition. And yes, the Floor CAN organize. Many of them will no doubt sympathize
with the Dealer's plight, as they themselves have their own.
Yes, we heard that Harrah's FINALLY informed the Floor of what
they can and can not say to the Dealers about the Union, just as we have been
trying to inform them. Is it any different than what we have been saying? No.
The Dealers also know this information.
The Dealers also know about filing NLRA Violations and the impact numerous
violations can have. Dealers will be listening.
Again, most of the Floor are our friends, and we do not want to
see any of them get into trouble with either Caesars Palace or the NLRB. But
again, we are NOT going to stand for ANY NLRA violations.
Caesars Palace has brought in attorneys from New York (evidently
their own "in-house" staff needs help from the outside) to
have meetings with the Dealers, just as we have brought in the TWU. What do the
attorneys they have brought in know about gaming? Probably not as much as the
TWU (The TWU has been working with both us and the Wynn Dealers for awhile now). Yet those attorneys will be trying to criticize the
TWU.
How are the hired
attorneys from New York any better than those who they will be criticizing? What makes them more "qualified"
than the TWU to tell us anything? Have they been working hand-in-hand with
Dealers like the TWU has been?
Will they get us a binding contract which outlines our toke
security? A Union will.
Will these hired attorneys get us better benefits outlined in a
binding contract? A Union will.
Will these hired attorneys from New York get us a binding
contract that outlines our wages? A Union will.
Will they get us a legal binding "policy
manual"? A Union will.
Will they get us anything? No, they will not. A Union will.
We know what they
will get though, their pockets deeply lined by Harrah's. Will we line the
Union's pockets? We do not even have to pay Union Dues! Remember everyone,
Nevada is a "Right to Work" State, which means no Union dues are
required to belong to the Union!
Bottom line is this, the attorneys from New York, hired by
Caesars Palace to come act as "Union Busters" will NOT get the Dealers
of Caesars Palace to the negotiating table where we can create a Collective
Bargaining Agreement, signed, legal and binding for a term of x-amount of years.
A Union will!
As soon as they are gone, and if we do not vote the Union in, we
know what to expect...the same take-away treatment we have had for years. It
does not matter who owns us, be it Harrah's, Starwood, Park Place or
Apollo/Texas, we will continue to lose as long as we do not have a CBA.
To understand this better, please read an essay by University of
Minnesota Professor Levins >>> HERE
<<<. It's not just the casino business, but the entire corporate greed
thing.
They try to defend themselves by saying, "It's about satisfying the
shareholders", yet our CEO just stomped all over the shareholders when he
bought a piece of the Boston Celtics for his own personal gain. No our friends,
it's all about greed. And as long as the corporations are allowed to run
unchecked by their own workers, they will do whatever they can to fill their own
pockets at our expense. They do not care about your mortgage, car payment, medical bills, your
children's college or the food on your table. When have they proven to any of us
otherwise? When?
Know this, as soon as we vote the Union in, we have a contract!
That's right! NOTHING can change until it is negotiated into a contract and
ratified by the members of the Union! We can go YEARS without a contract and
continue to work under the same conditions that were locked in when we voted in
the Union (not like we will be losing any "gains" we would have been
given without a Union, because we have only been losing. We will have stopped
the bleeding!). Yes, we will still receive the CSA Bonus, the small raises, keep
our 401K, keep our insurance. We will lose NOTHING (as we have been losing every
year). There are MANY other casinos in Nevada building their organizing
committees right now, today. We envision that with a short time, EVERY casino
Dealer will have voted in the Union. Then, we will have our ultimate strength.
Bring your "meetings", we will be prepared. Yes, the
times have changed, we have the internet. We have the power to communicate.
Dealers of Caesars Palace, let us lead the way to rebuilding the
Nation! Push over our "domino" and let's get it started now!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #242) From a 21 Dealer 11-16-07:
I heard that after the first of the year Caesars is
planning on raising the table limits and are going to try to market to
"high-rollers" again and get rid of the lower level players. Has
anyone else heard this?
RESPONSE:
Yes, we heard it too. Think about it, Harrah's came in and
chased away any decent play we had left and invited the "Harrah's
Crowd" to take over CP. Now all of a sudden they are changing their
minds? Hmmmm.
We wonder, if that is their plan, then why wait until AFTER
the first of the year? We wonder if it is like a "carrot" being put
in front of our noses? If they indeed plan on these changes, then why don't
they implement them now? Could it be that we are going to vote for the Union
first, and MAYBE it is just a "rumor" they are trying to spread to
give us some kind of "hope" and persuade our votes? Then, come the
first of the year, it is just the same old Harrah's, Union or not? Curious.
Sounds like a "feel good" tactic to us and just a plain
"rumor".
If they are going to do it, then do it NOW so maybe customers
will be aware of it BEFORE the New Year. Now THAT would make sense, but...
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #241) From a 21 Dealer 11-16-07:
I would like to know why Caesars Palace hasn't done anything
about the lead filled chips yet? Last week they gave us a memo saying "they
would look into it, and get back to us" what is going on with that?
Obviously they don't think there is anything wrong with us handling them.
Also I have noticed a lot of new people, are they trying to
saturate the vote pool? Can the new people vote? They have only been dealing 2
weeks. What do they know about a dealing career?
I also know that the floor have a meeting, maybe about
getting a pay raise? Will they also be talking anti-union crap in this meeting?
And could that be construed as a bribe to try to convince them to tell others
not to vote union? We all know the floor has been really treated bad for a long
time, why a raise now after we petition for a vote?
RESPONSE:
Who knows why they haven't done anything about the lead chips.
Kind of shows how much they REALLY care about us doesn't it. Then they have the
gall to say "health insurance costs are rising". Is there any wonder
why?
Yes, there have been a lot of new Dealers. They can only vote if
they were on the casino payroll on November 15th. Any new hires/transfers after
that are not eligible to vote. Do not underestimate the new hires. They may not
be as "professional" as many of the other Dealers, but that doesn't
make them dumb enough to not vote for the Union. Maybe they were even in Unions
before Dealing? Maybe their family members are Union members? Just make sure
everyone, to talk to any new Dealer you see and let them know the situation.
Educate them. And if ANY of the new Dealers are reading this, DO NOT BE AFRAID
of the Union or the IHO's. It is our Federal Legal Right to organize. If you are
threatened by management otherwise, or had to make any type of agreement to not
join the Union to get hired, PLEASE LET US KNOW ASAP.
Yes, the Floor had Mandatory Meetings today. Meetings they WERE
NOT PAID to attend! That should make them happy with CP. The TWU has already
received MANY A-Cards from the Floor at CP. When we had our mandatory meetings,
the cards incoming tripled in volume! Maybe the Floor will be the same ;) As for
their "raises", any kind of benefit that was scheduled to occur before
we had the date set can continue to occur.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #240) From a 21 Dealer 11-16-07:
I am happy to see we are voting finally but I am off the day
of the vote so Do I have to come in on my day off to vote or are their going to
be exceptions.
RESPONSE:
Funny, CP INSISTED on having the vote on the 22nd because they
wanted as many Dealers on property as possible, but MANY have said they will be
off that day. Oh well.
Yes, please come in, even if you are "off" to vote
"YES" for the Union. EVERY vote will be critical. There will be no
"absentee ballots" nor will there be any option to cast an "abstain"
vote. Everyone voting must vote either YES
or no. Sorry for the inconvenience, we requested better dates/times but CP
refused them.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #239) From the Organizing
Committee 11-16-07:
Yes, the Poker Dealers have been "excluded" from the
Table Games Dealers vote for Union representation. Do not despair though, you
can all still organize! The TWU will represent all of you! Keep sending in your
cards ASAP. You can still get cards from this website or you can contact a IHO
at work and get cards from them.
There were several reasons why the Poker Dealers were
"excluded" from the vote.
Although the TWU has received a great many A-Cards from Poker
Dealers, the numbers were still a bit short of what they normally require to
petition. The TWU normally wants 65-70% of any work force to submit cards to
ensure the best possible chance of winning the election. Although we will not
reveal how many Poker Dealers have sent in cards already, there is a very
strong showing. Those who have NOT sent in their cards yet, get them in ASAP.
Once the TWU receives the number of cards they need, they will petition the
NLRB on your behalf to also have an election for Union representation.
Also, the Poker Dealers have very different issues in regards
to your jobs. For example, the Poker Dealers are TFT, while the Table Games
Dealers "pool" their tokes.
If CP would have insisted we include the Poker Dealers in our
vote, we would have. But they did not want you all voting with us. Why not?
The TWU would like to have several Poker Dealers get in
contact with them and meet ASAP. Please, get involved.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #238) From a CP Poker Room Manager
11-16-07:
I am a management person and I have to tell you straight up,
the people who complain about the poker room are some of the most misinformed
knuckleheads I have ever seen. I wonder if you will have the guts to post this
"comment." While we have removed named drinks from the room, what is
it to you, the dealer? Because you have to listen to a few complaints? No matter
what you do, or where you go, people will complain about something. Just as you
dealers complain about tokes and sharing with the tournament staff. If you had
to get a real job, where you have to think clearly and quickly, most of you
would fail miserably. I watch you all on a daily basis and believe me, you are
not all that. Get a grip on reality before you worry about your down average. We
are building something good. Get on the train now as we move onward and upward.
Most of you complainers only see the world inside a vacuum that is small and
without hope. See the big picture and enjoy the journey.
RESPONSE:
Guts to post this? FYI, there have only been two Feedbacks (of
well over 200) we have not posted since the inception of this website. The
only reason we did not post them was due to the vulgarity and name-calling in
the posts (not directed at us, but management). As we have said before, want
us to post? Send us a Feedback and it will get posted (with a very few
exceptions). We would say that it takes "guts" on your part to send
in a Feedback such as yours. Yes, you did provide us with your name and
contact info, but we will not divulge it to the world, but instead we will
respond and let our Readers respond if they want.
This is what management thinks of you all, "I am a
management person...the people who complain about the poker room are some of
the most misinformed knuckleheads I have ever seen." It is so nice to
be respected by management.
The manager writes, "While we have removed named
drinks from the room, what is it to you, the dealer? Because you have to
listen to a few complaints?" Spilled drinks maybe? Personal verbal
abuse maybe? Physical threats maybe? Slow games maybe? Maybe the Dealers have
pride in their workplace and the "drunks" who get belligerent in CP
bring down our reputation of being a "class act"? What a stupid
question.
The manager writes, "Just as you dealers complain
about tokes and sharing with the tournament staff." Because they are
Dealers they should have no voice over their income/tips? Typical
"control" persona.
The manager writes, "If you had to get a real job,
where you have to think clearly and quickly, most of you would fail miserably"
This is a great attitude to have with your co-workers. Just because you wear a
suit do you think you are superior? How many suits do we have in our closets?
You think that Dealing is not a "real job"? What is yours? Is yours
"real"?
The manager writes, "Get a grip on reality before you
worry about your down average." Reality is bills, mortgages, health
insurance, income, job security and toke security. Who needs a
"grip"? Reality is the Poker Dealers were/are being stolen from.
That's "reality". We think they are beginning to grasp that rather
well.
The manager writes, "Most of you complainers only see
the world inside a vacuum that is small and without hope." Well, are
"you" not "complaining" here? Sounds like you are.
Bottom line is this, we all have a "real job" to do.
Most at CP do it very well. For those who don't, who hired them? Managers?
What does that say about management then? That they are not
"qualified" to recognize the difference between "quality"
Dealers and those who don't make the grade. They were not hired by themselves.
If management really wants a piece of the Dealers tokes, then
maybe they should deal. If you want to wear a suit, then accept what a suit
gets paid and quit complaining.
Maybe if managers like you would start respecting the Dealers
a little bit more, the working relationship could improve. But until you stop
calling Dealers names such as "knuckleheads", you are very far away
from what it takes to be in management. You are a disrespectful disgrace to
the fabulous Caesars Palace. How did you ever get the job?
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #237) From a Swing Shift Dealer
11-16-07:
I am a swing shift dealer at Caesars and I have a few
questions...
I have heard that the Wynn dealer insurance has changed since the union was
voted in and the 401k as well... is the rumor true that we could lose our health
insurance and the union tell us that we have to find our own and is the rumor
true that the 401k will run into problems of the union is voted in???
Thanks for your help!
RESPONSE:
We are in constant contact with many Wynn Dealers and their
Negotiating Committee as well and posed this Reader's question to them. Here is
their response:
"This rumor of the Wynn dealers losing insurance and 401K
has no truth in it what so ever. Once the Union is voted in, everything will
remain the same until a contract is negotiated. I went to the doctor many times
and received insurance "Explanation of Benefits" stating that payments
were made to the physicians. My 401K is still the same as well. It is not so
easy for the casino to change or take away our benefits as there are laws
governing what can or cannot be done by the casino after a union is
ratified."
As you can all see, the original question is just another
"BAD" rumor trying to be spread by CP management.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #236) From a Day Shift Dealer 11-15-07:
Mr. Jenkin,
The memo that you placed in the break room is not a legal document nor a binding
contract therefore it is meaningless. At any time and for any reason, you can
change company policy and seize our tokes just like Steve Wynn did. You can’t
do this to a union employee.
You ask that we “maintain our support” for our costly benefits and unfair
employment policies. Ask any of your union employees if they would accept these
same policies or mind exchanging their benefits for ours? I don’t think so.
In fact, Mr. Jenkin, these unfair policies and poor benefits are what got us in
this mess in the first place. These poor benefits are what we got for letting
you and this company “work directly with us” as compared to our union
brethren, who gain more year after year.
You know as well as anyone that frontline union employees at Caesars earn a
higher wage and have better benefits than non-union frontline employees
“period.” You know that this union will benefit us and cost the company
money. This is the real reason you wrote your letter.
You mentioned,” in union negotiations you can lose what you already have.” I
ask you, Mr. Jenkin, what has a single union employee at Caesars lost in the
last 20 years? Nothing, they have only gained.
Mr. Jenkin we want equality! We want a REAL CONTRACT not a company memo!
Union Yes!
RESPONSE:
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #235) From a Casino Aztar
(Indiana) Dealer 11-15-07:
Wishing you all the luck with your organizing efforts! Here
at the small Casino Aztar riverboat just heard we get to count our ballots after
a NLRB decision from Washington DC after the company sought a higher review from
the Indiana Regional..... We prevailed, so again wishing you all the luck and
success for a voice!
RESPONSE:
Congratulations on your victory in Indiana! And thanks for your
well wishes to us!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #234) From a Swing Shift
11-15-07:
I would like to know why there is so much fear amongst
dealers. Since we are trying to organize and we have a good number of cards why
are not the DEALERS AT CAESARS PALACE wearing Union buttons? I know they are
afraid and do not want to be targeted for adverse actions.
Please wait for a minute, if every DEALER at Caesars Palace
wears a support button for 721, then no one can be targeted. Right now a few
people are wearing the 721 button. Please DEALERS, don't think we are being
targeted, because we are not. So please I am requesting that every dealer should
wear a button.
We have to show to the management that we do not want our
tokes/tips confiscated and given to other people. If management wants to give
the floor a raise. then so be it, but not on the BACKS OF DEALERS.
Come on my fellow dealers please show your support and wear a
721 button, because we are in this thing together.
We cannot let management take our tokes. We deserve to be
paid at least the same wages as a cocktail waitress. Don't you think so?
So my fellow dealers if all of us wear a local721 button,
then no body will be targeted. Come on guys/girls we are in this thing together.
We are not only doing this thing (Union) for ourselves but
also for our children, grand children. We are doing this for the future
generation of dealers
Please let's unite and give a picture of strength to the
owners/management.
Sincerely
Your Fellow Dealer on Swing Shift
RESPONSE:
We agree, that if EVERY Dealer wears a 721 button, nobody can
be "targeted" (not that any who already are wearing buttons are
being targeted, because they are not). Wearing our buttons shows solidarity.
It will show that we are one in our quest for toke security, better working,
conditions, job security, higher wages and better benefits.
Management already knows that the overwhelming majority of the
Dealers signed and sent in cards. Now let's all wear our buttons too! We ARE
protected by Federal Law. The same laws our soldiers die protecting for us. Do
not let them die in vain. Wearing our buttons not only shows that we support
the Union, but also shows that we support the American way!
Everyone, please scroll down to post #232 and carefully read
it. We must organize now to protect the livelihoods of ALL Americans.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #233) From a Poker Dealer 11-14-07:
Okay, i asked before and no answer, so i asked again. If we
go union and as a poker dealer, can my tokes be forced to pooling like other
dealers???? there are many more dealers than poker dealers and if it is agreed
by negotiations and voted in, does that mean i don't have any say on it????
please answer me this time. thank you.
RESPONSE:
We apologize if your last feedback slipped through the cracks
somehow.
As of right now they can force you to pool your tips WITHOUT a
Union. They can do anything they want, with the handling of your tournament
tokes being a prime example. The way the table game Dealer's tokes are pooled
is not now done by our choosing. Our pool was forced onto us by management.
We are not entirely certain who will be included in the
"voting unit" under the current petition filed by the TWU on behalf
of the table game Dealers, as of yet. We have explained this process several
times, and time is short at the moment (we have to get to work too).
Let's look at it like this, let's say the original petition
stands and does NOT include the Poker Dealers. The Poker Dealers can STILL
have the TWU file a petition on their own behalf for a vote for the Union,
just as the table game Dealers have done. As soon as the petition is filed,
everything stays "status quo". That means the way you do your tokes
at that time will be locked in until contract negotiations. THEN the way tokes
will be pooled or not will be negotiated in negotiations.
The table game Dealers probably do NOT want to add more
Dealers to their toke pool, just as Poker Dealers do NOT want to pool their
tokes. IF both are to be covered by one contract, there would more than likely
be different areas of the contract covering the different work forces. Poker
Dealers would no doubt have their own "clauses". If the Poker
Dealers are NOT included in the table games Dealers vote, then the subject is
moot because the Poker Dealers will have their own petition and will be
negotiating their own contract.
Until we get the time/date/who/place stipulated for the vote
for the current petition on file, this is the best answer we can provide.
Hopefully, the vote will be stipulated by the end of this week and more
information will then be available.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #232) From a Swing Shift Dealer
11-14-07:
Unions Built the Middle Class and Must Save It
By Richard A. Levins
Richard A. Levins, Professor Emeritus of Applied Economics, University of
Minnesota
The middle class is fading fast. Stagnant wages, rising costs for life’s
essentials and massive debt are taking their toll. What can we do to reverse
this trend before it is too late? We must recognize that cheap labor can build
cars and appliances, but only organized labor can build a middle class.
While the middle class struggles, the country’s wealthiest people are riding
the stock market gravy train. Much of my economic work in the past several years
has been with farming. Farmers have a better word for those who make money
because of what they own instead of what they do. They are called landlords.
Landlords, like corporate shareholders, simply sit back and take part of what
others have earned.
What many politicians hail as the “ownership society” is really a landlord
society. It is one in which money that could be used to reward labor gets
skimmed off by a fortunate few. This repackaging of our old friend, trickle-down
economics, is downright dangerous.
All strategies that trade good jobs for cheap toasters eventually erode the
market for the goods and services being provided. A society composed of a
handful of hyper-wealthy individuals and millions of people living on the
economic edge is not the sound, stable market needed for growth. Only a middle
class with a widely distributed buying power can provide that. What economists
call the “income distribution” in this country is, from a middle-class
perspective, as bad as it has been since the years leading up to the Great
Depression.
The ideology of ownership would have us believe that the rich getting richer is
just how things work in our economic system. The less we tamper with the way
profits are distributed among owners and workers, the better off we all will be.
The problem is, of course, that the rich and powerful monkey with the system all
the time, and always to their benefit at the expense of the middle class.
Corporations are now strong enough to call for, and get, substantial tax
reductions. They can call for, and get, substantial wage concessions. They can
call for, and get, weakened public oversight of their activities. These changes,
which have permitted and fostered the growth of corporations and globalization,
are not the result of clever ideas and theories. They result from the exercise
of power.
And that, in a nutshell, is the problem. Once corporations pay all their
expenses, anything left over must be distributed between labor and owners. When
labor has power, wages grow, and with them, the middle class. When owners have
power, we move toward a society of rich and poor without much in the middle.
A farmer I have worked with over the years put it this way: When you sit down to
dinner with a group of hungry people, it’s not only the size of the pie that
matters. The size of your fork is just as important.
Because of its generous share of natural resources, and centuries of public
action to build roads, schools and the like, the United States is a wealthy
nation. During the mid-twentieth century, there were two principal methods for
making sure this wealth was distributed such that it would do the most to
maintain and build the nation’s wealth.
First, the very wealthy were heavily taxed, either directly or through their
corporations. This provided for maintenance of existing social investments and
creation of new ones. Our system of public education and research, for example,
was well supported by tax dollars.
Second, labor unions became strong enough to shift corporate profits from very
wealthy owners to the middle class, in the form of better wages and benefits.
Money stayed in the hands of those most likely to spend it in ways that would
further stimulate the national economy and provide essential public services.
Personal Comment (from Reader):
I took the time to post this in support of us. With the federal mandated wage
increase being the only raise of the future. Which will negate any performance
bonus\raise you may have received in the past. The cost of health care. The
dollars value diminishing. The long term prospects of Harrah's really taking
care of non-union employees is not good. Just ask any of the long time dealers
at Caesars what it was like back then. You were considered a professional. You
were treated like one too. You got lovely gifts for being employed for many
years. Non Union employees dined at locations union employees didn't. This
union drives underlying principle for action is CORPORATE GREED! This is
an upper middle class job that affords a decent life, the ability to sustain a
family and be happy. The future of our profession is doomed if we don't
unionize. Granted we don't make toasters. We make experiences that
people will cherish. We build relationships. Sounds very similar to
manufacturing - manufacturing a good time.
RESPONSE:
What a paper by Professor Levins! We would like to thank the
Reader for taking the time to send it to us! PERFECT!
Also, we do have other feedback to post and respond to but have
been very limited because of some time constraints. We will get all feedback
posted ASAP. We had to take the time to get this one posted because it makes the
message of organizing so very clear.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #231) From a Swing Shift Dealer
11-12-07:
Well we had another dealer fired off our shift (swing). I'm
not sure of the reason other than it had to do with a comment he made to another
employee and a customer heard it and filed a complaint. The other employee
didn't complain, just the customer.
Another dealer is fired for a reason that probably would been
handled entirely differently only a few years ago and there are people that
still believe that we don't need to unionize. We all can be in that position, a
customer that is pissed off for what ever reason, complains and we are
gone.
I don't understand why some people don't get the fact that we
need a union. I only hope that when that customer complains about you that we
are unionized by that time. GO TWU (T)ogether (W)e (U)nionize.
RESPONSE:
This feedback is the only thing we have heard about this. We
do not know if it is true or not. Can anyone else please elaborate?
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #230) From a Swing Shift Dealer
11-12-07:
I heard that a manager is telling dealers that Wynn has not
agreed to anything in negotiations. Is this true? What have they agreed to?
RESPONSE:
This one actually made us chuckle a little bit. We would
respond to anyone making any statement about the negotiations ongoing between
The Wynn and the Dealers there, "Are you at the negotiation table with
them?" We know their answer, and that is "No". We would then
continue to ask them, "Then how can you say nothing has been agreed upon
yet?" Their answer? Who knows what BS they would come up with then.
We have talked with the Dealers who are on the Negotiating
Committee at The Wynn. We speak with them frequently. We speak with the
representatives of the TWU who also are sitting at the negotiating table,
daily.
What do we know that has been agreed upon? We know nothing.
Why do we know nothing that has been agreed upon? Because the negotiations ARE
CONFIDENTIAL! NEITHER SIDE, be it The Wynn or the Dealers from there, will
divulge anything that has been agreed upon. Until they reach a COMPLETE
agreement and are ready to submit it to the Dealers of The Wynn for
ratification (approval) everything is still negotiable and CONFIDENTIAL.
We have been assured, and can tell by the excitement of those
involved, that there ARE things being agreed upon. Negotiations are ongoing
and have NOT stopped. That is a good thing. That means they are progressing.
Fellow Dealers, just because someone is wearing a
"suit" and may be in a position of authority within the company,
that does NOT mean they are "all knowing". We all know better than
that. Just look at how our place is ran!
Do not believe the stuff you hear from people in management.
They are going to be saying a lot of things that are complete BS to try to
scare us away from voting for the Union. Why? Because once we are organized
they will lose their complete control over us. They will no longer be
considered "all knowing".
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #229) From Anonymous 11-11-07:
so please have the nerve to tell us all what will The Dealer Committees
Salary be after this vote ? What will salary of union officials be?? I know u
wont answer this ?
RESPONSE:
Why wouldn't we answer this? There is nothing to hide about any
compensation, or lack of.
Actually, if you would like to see what Union officials get
paid, go to the Department of Labor's (DOL) website. EVERY Union submits there
annual financials to the DOL and they are listed on the website. Union
financial records are accounted for by every Local to the Federal Government.
As for your questions, first of all, the "Dealer's
Committee" at CP does not get paid and never has. If the Dealers at CP
want to compensate them, they can vote on it.
If you meant the "Negotiating Committee" (NC), then
we can tell you what they get paid. The Union will pay them, from the TWU
International Funds the same amount they would've gotten paid had they worked
the day of negotiations. As an example, once we get into contract negotiations
and the NC members have to miss work because of it, and lets say they would
have made a total of $300 with wages and tips for that day had they worked,
the TWU will compensate them from the TWU International fund. Should they work
for us for free? I don't think anyone would agree to that. This is our Union
Dues AT WORK.
As for the "salary of the Local Union officials" (we
are assuming you are asking about the Local 721 officers), those salaries are
yet to be determined. We can guess right now though that their salaries will be
an average of what a Dealer would make. It also will be dependant upon their
position. The President? The Secretary? The Treasurer? Also, their salaries will
NOT be set by the TWU, but will be voted upon by the members of the Local 721.
Their jobs will be a 40+ hour a week job. Should they work for us for free? Do
you work for free?
We know right now EVERY Dealer on the "Organizing
Committee" and the "In-House Organizers" WORK FOR YOU FOR
FREE. And that is the way it will always be with these people. Would
you like to join us? Several of the IHO's are putting in over 40 hours a
week in addition to their job at CP, and they are doing it for FREE. That is
not to say that some of them may become Union officials (must be elected to
positions though by all members of Local 721) and then be compensated for
their new jobs (they will have to quit their dealing jobs for you/us), just as
you are compensated for yours.
Oh, and by the way, Nevada is a "Right to Work"
State and if you belong to a Union you DO NOT have to pay Union dues.
Then, if you don't, you can actually say there are people working for you and
your rights for FREE.
Now for those of us who understand that the Local 721
officials (all from the ranks of Dealers) will be working hard for us each and
every day (even on their days off) and who will pay their Union dues, you also
know that dues are a very small price to pay for what you get in return. As we
pointed out many times before, just a $.50 increase in wages will not only
cover your Union dues, but you will have more money in your pockets as well.
JUST a $.50 wage increase!
Also, we would like to point out, taking the Culinary for
example, their Union dues have increased $3 a month in the last 20
years. Not bad considering the kind of wages and benefits they receive!
We hope we answered your question.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #228) From the Organizing
Committee
11-11-07:
Several Dealers have voiced their concerns about this website
and how hard it is to get around the entire site. We understand their
concerns. However, this website is HUGE. There is a LOT of information on this
site and to put it all on one page would be impossible. We ourselves can get
lost here!
We do provide a great many links to different areas on the
website and to other websites which contain information pertaining to our
Union drive, Nevada Law, Federal Law and other casinos Union efforts.
We apologize for any inconvenience some may have navigating
through all of this information, but we believe we have done it all in the
most feasible way possible. If anyone has ANY questions about anything, please
feel free to submit Feedback to us or email us by using one of the contact
links located at the bottom of each page of this website.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #227) From the Organizing
Committee 11-11-07:
Not only has our effort to organize been on every local TV
station this last week and in the papers, but it was also on the Nevada Public
Radio. We are mentioned about 1/2 way through the segment. To hear the interview
and comments >>> CLICK
HERE <<<
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #226) From a Full-Time Dealer
11-11-07:
The dust from lead tainted chips probably goes to a more sensitive
area of our bodies, our lungs. We breath in a combination of lead and second
hand smoke daily.
The dust is also carried home on our clothes to the waiting arm of our
unsuspecting children and spouses.
RESPONSE:
We read some sort of email memo at CP last night stating the
chips would be investigated, and testing would be done on them if they felt it necessary.
We will try to get a copy of the email so we can be more accurate. It did sound
as though they were now aware of the news report, but would have to do their own
investigation if that is what they decided to do.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #225) From a Dayshift Dealer 11-10-07:
Thanks for the link to the "lead" story. Needless
to say, I was outraged about our exposure to the lead in one of the major tools
of our trade. Where is the outrage and attention that our local media should be
expressing in their coverage of the danger to casino workers and players? And
where is OSHA? They have not worked on behalf of health issues such as second
hand smoke affecting us when it comes to our working environment.
I am reminded of the movie "Jaws" where the local leaders wanted to
quash the story of the Great White Shark so as not to worry the beachgoers and
effect the incomes of businesses that depend on tourist dollars.
This is too big a story to let slide! We must draw more attention to it for the
protection of our health and to prevent further exposure to lead and other
harmful agents. They are recalling "toys from China" aren't they!
RESPONSE:
OSHA? The person who was responsible for calling OSHA to come
test the smoke in our casino was fired for an unrelated cause.
Actually, we have a printed report of the OSHA test of SHS on
our tables, and it is OFF THE SCALE! Yet smoking is STILL permitted on the
tables.
Now it's the chips! When does it end?
WE MUST UNITE and FIGHT if we must. WHY should we be constantly
subjected to toxic poisons and have no say?!
Are we so afraid of our employer that we will shed our fear of
dying just to appease them?
WAKE UP!
VOTE UNION YES!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #224) From an Ex-Dealer 11-10-07:
I have been reading all the comments here and have to say I
really hope that all of you stand together and vote Union.
I was a dealer for 27 years, spent the last 16 years of it at
a major strip casino. The changes I saw during my time behind the tables would
fill a book, and most of them would not fall in the good category.
Some of the things I remember from my dealing days: The majority of my dealing
career was spent dealing at high limit tables, the added stress and extra
"eyes" on those games finally got to me, so I asked to be taken off
and put in another area for awhile. I was taken to the office and told that if I
was not going to be a team player I should look elsewhere for work. And I was
scheduled right back on the same high limit every night after that. That is why
I "retired" earlier than I had planned. Maybe if I had been a Union
dealer, there would have been more fairness to the games we were scheduled to
deal night after night.
I was taken to the office one time because a player had
complained and said that "he thought I smirked at him once" during one
go round. He just thought I did and I got pulled into the office, in actuality
the customer was pissed because he did not get the comp he thought he should
have.
I spent many, many, hours being cursed and harassed by high
rollers that were nothing more than immature jerks with money, but that money
gave them the right to say or do anything they wanted to the dealer, and bosses
would actually tell me that. So if they lost I took the brunt of their
frustration, if I lost I took the heat from behind me. And if one of those
players wanted me fired, all they had to do was ask for it, I was never fired
but saw it happen to other dealers who "got out of line with a
player".
I could go on and on but do not want to bore you, just want to emphasize the
important decision facing you. Sure you may be thinking that you are immune to
all of this stuff and it is not going to affect you but, if you knew me (and a
lot of you probably do) you would know that if management can drive me away to
an early retirement, it can do it to anyone.
Sometimes your mental health becomes more important than
having the money to retire. I had to get a job in another field that pays much
less than I was making, but losing the stress makes up for most of that. And
remember I get no pension. I had a 401K that I provided for myself, but after 16
years I got nothing more than a notice to turn in my shirts and to pick up my
last paycheck from the company. And if I had stayed another 20 years it would
have been the same.
So think about your future, because the corporation is not
worried about you, they are to busy promoting management raises and
benefits.
And if you think that they would never take your tips and
make you share with non dealers, think again. The statement the spokesperson
made in the newspaper article I read earlier guarantees it as far as I see
it.
Stand together.
RESPONSE:
Thanks for visiting our website and for your support!
We do not know one Dealer who can not relate to what you have
written. We are in a "thankless" job. We can not satisfy the customers
who lose their money to us, nor can we satisfy the bosses when the customers
win. Either one, customer or boss, can get us in "hot water" in a
blink of the eye. The stress levels are off the scale! Sometimes finding the
"middle ground" can be nearly impossible. We are not only
"at-will" employees, but "at-whim" employees.
Most of us are "loyal" employees. Our commitments to
the casino and to the customers run very deep. At one time we were treated very
well. On our 20th Anniversary CP used to give us Cartier watches. Now what do we
get? A choice between a pair of binoculars or a small golden trinket with a
diamond chip on it. That is the thanks we get for our loyalty.
It used to be if we had a problem in life, be it health or
personal, we were told to "take as much time as you need and we will see
you when you get back". Now we are given points and they act as though they
can't wait to fire us!
Yes, the corporate world has taken us over and we must all
adhere to their cold and uncaring policies. Yes, they are a "business"
(but weren't they always?) and "times have changed". It is now time
that the Dealers across the country to change too and become an organized
"business" as well.
For your future and the future of your families
Vote YES on election day!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #223) From the Organizing
Committee 11-10-07:
TO ALL SUPERVISORS OF CAESAR PALACE:
We would like to tell EVERY floor-person that what we are doing
is NOT an attack on your skills as a leader. We are friends with most all of
you. But please understand we are trying to protect our livelihoods.
For any of you who may think that spreading any false
information amongst the Dealers will earn you points, forget about it. Doing so
will NOT get you promoted nor will it get you a raise.
Instead, think about forming your own Union as we are doing. We
know that when you work four days you get paid for four, but when you work six
days you get paid for five. We know you have benefits just as bad as we do. We
know you are all severely underpaid. We know all the Floor at CP desperately
need to organize as well. We will assist you in any way we can.
Also, we would like to inform you all here of the Federal Laws
(as we doubt Harrah's has) here. To read what you can and can not do as a
Supervisor >>> CLICK
HERE <<< and read the Official NLRB Regulations. Also,
to read the National Labor Relations Act >>> CLICK
HERE <<<. Finally, to read a layman's summation of what
can and can not be done according to the interpretation of the NLRA >>>
CLICK HERE
<<<.
We do NOT want any of you to get into trouble by violating the
law, however, if you violate the NLRB Regulations, in order to ensure that we
have a fair chance at organizing without any illegal interference, we will have
no choice but to protect our rights and files any violations to the NLRB, which
could result in discipline of some sort. Again, we DO NOT want that to happen,
but we must ALL play by the Legal Rules. With the an overwhelming majority of
Dealers having signed A-Cards, there are many people listening.
Your safest bet is to NOT talk to ANY Dealer about his/her Union
activities at all. Avoid those conversations like the plague!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #222) From the Organizing
Committee 11-10-07:
Okay, the "lies" by management have started.
We heard that a "rumor" is being spread around that
J.W. supposedly got hold of the "list" of Dealers who have signed
Authorization Cards. That is NOT TRUE! This
our friends, is one of the first lies that management tries to spread during an
organizing drive.
There was a certified letter sent to Harrah's identifying the
"In House Organizers" weeks ago. There are Dealers who are supporting
the Union wearing Union buttons and pins. Newspaper articles have been written
and headlined the business section of the R-J. TV stations have reported our
Union drive. The TWU DID file a petition for a Vote, indicating that the vast
majority of the Dealers sent in Authorization Cards. Yes, they DO KNOW we have
signed cards, it is kind of obvious isn't it?
But as far as any actual "list", that is NOT
TRUE! Maybe J.W. is compiling his own list of
"suspects", but that will be a VERY BIG list considering how many
cards it takes to file a petition.
If/when you hear that rumor, please, stop it in it's tracks.
Also consider who is/may be spreading the rumor. If you hear someone spreading
it, maybe they are not who you think they are huh? Do not hesitate to contact us
with the names of whoever is spreading the lies. We all need to know who the
"spies amongst us" are.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #221) From a Wynn Dealer
11-10-07:
To all Caesars dealers, First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on
sticking together and being strong enough to stand up for your jobs and your
future. But be assured that Caesars will do everything they legally can to persuade
you to not vote the union in. Expect union-busting meetings, notices in the break room
about how unreliable and bad the union is for you, mailings to your home, and of
course, LIES. Stand strong and vote union.
We are changing the future of the dealing profession. Many of you have been
dealing for a period long enough where you would be able to retire with a
pension in other businesses, but we have nothing. Together we will change the
industry's view of the dealing profession. Remember, they think of you as
nothing but a means for the big guys to make money, and they think dealers are
just a liability cutting into their multi-million dollar bonus. This is your
future, your livelihood, your pride at stake. Good luck on your vote. We will
all stand together soon, this is just the beginning.
Signed, Wynn Dealer, TWU Local 721.
RESPONSE:
Thanks for the Congratz!
Yes, as the Reader writes, "Expect union-busting
meetings, notices in the break room about how unreliable and bad the union is
for you, mailings to your home, and of course, LIES." As we have
already seen it all starting.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #220) From a Full-Time Dealer
11-10-07:
I was wondering if Mr. Loveman and crew are so opposed to
Unions, then why did he just purchase a percentage of the Boston Celtics? I
mean, aren't all the players members of a Union called the NBA?
RESPONSE:
Indeed he did! Please scroll down to post #211 to read about
Mr. Loveman's new personal investment.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #219) From a Full-Time Dealer
11-10-07:
I just read an article reported on ABC15 out of Phoenix by
Lisa Fletcher on the lead content discovered in casino chips See link below:
http://www.abc15.com/content/news/investigators/story.aspx?content_id=4505adee-6851-4a27-a3e6-dd77500045b9
They tested Paulson chips over 200 times and they tested 160 times higher in
lead than the EPA legally allows in paint.
More than that, CAESARS PALACE CHIPS TESTED 45% HIGHER
THAN THE .06% WHICH MAKES THEM 400 TIMES HIGHER IN LEAD THAN THE LEGAL LIMIT!
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!! NO WONDER WE ALL HAVE RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS!!!
SECOND-HAND SMOKE, LEAD, ASBESTOS, CHEMICALS...WHAT IS A DEALERS QUALITY OF LIFE
WORTH???
THESE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT WANT US TO TRUST THEM....ARE YOU
KIDDING ME!!!
They send these chips home for souvenirs, homes that have
children in them. We have pregnant women that work with us. Particles flake off
these chips and we inhale them "1000 parts per million" way to high!!
AND THEY WANT US TO TRUST THEM!!!
PLEASE VOTE THE UNION IN!
AND ALL OF YOU OTHER CASINOS, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE GET BUSY
WITH YOUR A CARDS, SO WE CAN HAVE A POLITICAL VOICE IN THIS TOWN.
IT IS BIGGER THAN CAESARS OR THE WYNN.
VOTE "YES" !!!!
RESPONSE:
It just gets worse and worse with the casinos with every bit of
news that comes out. And the chips at CP are 400 times higher than the legal
limit?! They really do care about us don't they.
Many times we have seen Dealer's hands chapped and sore, is
there any wonder why? We can only imagine what kind of excuse they are going
to make about the chips.
REMOVE/REPLACE THE CHIPS NOW!!
We wonder how the layouts would hold up to chemical testing as
well. The minute green felt particles constantly entering our pores.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #218) From a 21 Swing Shift Dealer
11-9-07:
Interesting article in the RJ. Jan Jones only proves that Harrah's
has it's collective heads up their rear ends when she says that "dealers
should talk to their direct supervisors about issues" with health benefits,
wages, seniority and job security. It's the direct supervisors who caused a lot
of the problems.
Days off seniority, is a JW special that no one has ever
heard of before.
The inexcusable benefits that we get from a company that sets
profit records every quarter is a special sore spot for many and is a company
wide problem.
When Jan Jones says if dealers unionize, tokes would be up
for negotiations because you have to be competitive in negotiations, just means
they are planning to take tips anyway.
Watch out Culinary and Teamsters, you know Harrah's will want
to be competitive with you guys also.
Jan Jones should probably devote more of her time to helping Harrah's
get proper building permits for renovations and leave the newspaper negotiations
to real professionals.
GO TWU! Go CAESARS DEALERS!
RESPONSE:
When the Reader writes, "Watch out Culinary and
Teamsters, you know Harrah's will want to be competitive with you guys
also." Do you think? Of course not! The Reader's point exactly!
As far as the Dealers as individuals dealing with their
"direct supervisors" about our issues, why don't we all march into the
Shift Managers Office each break and see if can negotiate a better way? Splendid
idea! Maybe we can get a raise and better benefits?
Oh, wait a minute, wasn't it the shift manager M.C. who has
openly said he thought there was "nothing wrong with Steve Wynn did, it
was just the way he did it"? Negotiate with him? Sorry, but he already
exposed his hand and we do not believe ANY Dealer, individually or as a group,
is interested in a deal like that or will feel comfortable trying to negotiate
much of anything with someone who supports that type of philosophy.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #217) From a Swing Shift Dealer
11-9-07:
I would like to just point out an example of what we are
exposed to daily. The other night every time I took a breath I had to inhale a
customers horrendous breath! It was so foul I could barely breathe myself, and
to top it off they were there the ENTIRE shift! Today I now have a sinus
infection and will have to endure it for who knows, maybe a week.
RESPONSE:
We feel your pain. Just make sure that you do not call in sick
and take a point!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #216) From a Full-Time Dealer
11-9-07:
We made the big time now!
I just saw the new cast on Channel 5 stating that we are
going UNION!! Stay strong everyone, the heat may start now.
Oh and by the way, I saw Caesars was on an earlier broadcast
today about our chips being loaded with a lead base coming from where else but
China. Thank you for just one more unhealthy toxin that we are being subjected
to on a daily basis. AND HOW MANY SICK DAYS DO WE GET????THREE LESS THAN ANY
OTHER DEPARTMENT!
Stay strong and vote YES on UNIONIZATION FOR ALL
DEALERS!!!!
Thank you to all of those that have worked so hard to get us
where we are! Keep up the great work! Let everyone else stand up and not waste
this opportunity that they have worked so hard to provide us!
Vote YES!!
RESPONSE:
We heard about the news on TV as well! And have also read about
it in the RJ (it headlined the Business Section)!
We are still looking for the story about the lead-based chips
though. If that is true, we guess it just goes along with all the
Second-Hand-Smoke we have to endure on a daily basis as well.
Here are the links to the News articles: Review-Journal;
Channel
Five; Channel
3; Channel
13.
When Jan Jones, vice president of government relations at
Caesars Palace's parent company, Harrah's Entertainment, said "Harrah's
Entertainment does not now support the practice of sharing tokes,
although she added "that the dealers' actions could someday change that
policy." in the R-J, should we take that as a threat?
We would also like to point out that Jones comment "...does
not now support the practice of sharing tokes..." leaves open their
opinion on what they may support in the future by the use of the word
"now".
Is this WHY the President of Harrah's Western Division, Mr.
Jenkin, had made the statement, "You should all wait and see what
happens with The Wynn and if the courts uphold his decision to take the Dealers
tips you would be fools not to join the Union then"? in the meeting he
moderated?
We believe, as do the vast majority of the Dealers of Caesars
Palace (supported by the number of Union Authorization Cards which were signed),
the possible plan of Harrah's was to eventually take our tokes for
redistribution, the same as what happened at The Wynn. We believe Harrah's
was/is also awaiting the court's decisions before making their decision so as
not to be caught up in a legal battle like they are down the street.
Jones said, "However, if all of a sudden we're in
negotiations with an intermediary, you can't guarantee that would be the
policy because you have to be competitive in negotiations," We would
like to point out that there will be no "intermediary" in
negotiations. THE DEALERS OF CAESARS PALACE will be the ones at
the negotiation table! WE ARE THE UNION! As far as being "competitive
in negotiations" what about our wages? The lowest paid Union worker
at Caesars Palace makes three dollars an hour MORE than the highest paid
Dealer! And Insurance? Culinary pays ZERO while Dealers are paying HUNDREDS
each month on top of their co-pays and deductibles! Asking the Dealers in
negotiations, like anywhere else, to supplement the salaries of supervisors,
directly from our earnings, is like asking Jones to directly reduce her salary
to compensate Mr. Loveman.
We ask everyone, does ANY Union worker at Caesars Palace share
their tips with their supervisors? Cocktail Waitresses? Bartenders? Valet?
Maids? Waiters? Waitresses? Anyone? Room Service? Bellmen? The answer is NO.
With the publicly made threat by Jones, we believe that if we
do NOT vote the Union in, instead of saying "now let's work together to
get things fixed", they will then take our tokes to "punish" us
like little children and use it as an excuse to do exactly what they were
planning anyway.
When Jones, and the rest of management says, "However,
she said the dealers would be better off discussing any concerns with their
direct supervisors rather than bringing in a third party...It can become
dispassionate and disconnected," Jones said. "The outcome can
be accomplished working within the company." have we been "better
off"?
What has happened in the last 40 years at Caesars Palace? We have
tried! What have we achieved? NOTHING has been "accomplished"! ONLY
the current Union drive has even gotten their attention, and that is ONLY
because it is being forced upon them now by our solidarity!
All the Dealers must realize, the ONLY way to get their
attention is to organize. We are proving it now. Once we are organized and all
members of the Union, they will never forget us again! We have come so far
now, if we back off, they have already laid down their "threat" and
shown us their plans for us in the future without a Union. They have left us
no choice in the matter now.
Support those who have stepped up and put their faces and
names out there for our common cause. This is about each and every one of us.
Surround them with your support!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #215) From an Extra-Board Dealer 11-8-07:
Numerous times on this sight you have stated that you want
all dealers to get behind the union. I just wanted to confirm that the union is
trying to get all the dealers included in the vote, including the extra board
and the pussycat doll girls. I think it would be horrible for this whole time to
have asked them to send in their cards and then not want them to get a vote.
RESPONSE:
We agree with you 100%! The petition included "All Full
Time and Regular Part Time Table Game Dealers" (directly from a copy of the
petition). That would include Extra-Board and Pussycat Dealers. However,
Harrah's must also agree to the "Unit". We are waiting on their
response to the petition now. Harrah's may want to try to make changes to the
Unit. They may want to exclude the "Regular Part Time Dealers" for
example. Let's hope not. We thought who we asked for was fair and reasonable.
As for the Floor and the Dual-Rates at Caesars Palace, we do
sympathize with their situations, however there are things that legally separate
us. We want to see them organize as well (and they can), and offer our
assistance to them in any way they need.
As for ANY other work group at Caesars Palace who are not
members of a Union, we will assist any of you as well. However, unfortunately
there is one group we can not help directly, and that is the Security Guards.
To organize Security there are some very special guidelines for them and we
suggest they seek out one of the many Unions who specialize in Security
Guards. If asked, we will help them in locating the appropriate Unions.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #214) From the Organizing
Committee 11-8-07:
We know MANY of you have MANY questions about the Union and the
process. If you have ANY questions at all, ask an In-House Organizer. If they
can not provide the answer, they will get it and get back to you ASAP.
Also, we plan to have more "Open House" meetings in
the very near future where EVERYONE is invited to attend. With the
overwhelming majority of the
Dealers having signed cards, we should have a great turnout.
We know you are all anxious for the process to get started,
and it already has. Right now what is happening is the "voting unit"
is being determined. We provided the NLRB with who we want to vote/include in
the Union, but now Harrah's has the opportunity to either agree with who we
have submitted or try to make changes. If they want to make changes, it may go
to a "hearing" where each side can provide their argument as to who
should be included or excluded. Witnesses can be subpoenaed for testimony at
this hearing.
They already delayed the "preliminary" that was to
be held because they were "not prepared" (although they have been on
the website every day since August 21st, having been ID'd by their own
server). How could they NOT be prepared? Maybe they were at a Celtics game?
Hopefully we will clear the next hurdle next week and get the
date/place/time set for the day when we all vote "YES" for the
Union. They have 45 days to hold the election from the date of filing.
Also, many want to know if they can hire a bunch of new
Dealers to try to throw the election. The answer is NO. The ONLY Employees who
will be eligible to vote (after the voting unit is agreed upon) are those who
were employed by Caesars Palace the pay period ending prior to the day we
submitted the petition.
FORTY-TWO days and counting (maybe sooner)!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #213) From the Organizing
Committee 11-8-07:
A "VOLUNTARY MEETING" has been called for Thursday the
8th at 7pm and 8pm and again on Friday the 9th at 10am and 11am. Evidently they
do not want anyone from Graveyard attending these meetings, because otherwise
they would have scheduled a time for them to come as well. We guess they don't
really care about EVERY Dealer at Caesars Palace!
The meeting is supposed to be a "follow-up" by Mr. G.
S. What can he tell us?
Are they willing to sign a binding agreement with us giving us
back Seniority?
Are they willing to sign a binding agreement with us giving us
total unobstructed control of our toke by-laws?
Are they willing to sign a binding agreement that they will not
confiscate our tokes for any reason?
Are they willing to sign a binding agreement that will give us
better insurance?
Are they willing to sign a binding agreement that we will not be
forced to pool our tokes with any other Harrah's properties (like what is going
to be done at the Venetian and Palazzo)?
Are they willing to sign a binding agreement that we will be
given acceptable pay raises?
Are they willing to sign a binding agreement that will outline
progressive discipline?
Are they willing to sign a binding agreement that will provide
each one of us with a complete Policy manual, including EVERY thing we can get
"points" for?
Are they willing to sign a binding agreement that will provide
each one of us with a copy of any changes to policies and procedures?
Are they willing to sign a binding agreement that if sent home
under "investigative suspension" that if no infractions are found and
we are allowed to return to work that they will reimburse us BOTH the lost wages
AND tokes?
Or are they just going to tell us that they reduced the INCREASE
in our health insurance for THIS YEAR?
Or are they going to tell us that they placed two little sinks
in the break room?
Or are they going to tell us that they are giving us new carpet?
Or are they going to tell us they returned our by-laws to us and
are still able to take them away again at any time in the future?
WHAT are they going to put in a SIGNED binding agreement?
N-O-T-H-I-N-G!!!!!!!!!!!!
If it isn't a SIGNED BINDING AGREEMENT it means NOTHING! If it
is not SIGNED it belongs in the shreader!
Actually, we see these meetings as something they may just be
using to gauge any support they may have. DO NOT BE FOOLED! Do NOT let them
"off the hook"! Their "word" means NOTHING! Just look what
Mr. Loveman did to EVERY shareholder this week!
We suggest, that if you do not support them and instead support
the Union drive and your own future, that you should NOT attend the
"voluntary meetings" at all.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #212) From a Union Member
11-8-07:
CONGRATULATIONS CAESAR'S DEALERS THIS IS YOUR FIRST STEP DOWN
THE RIGHT PATH OF YOUR FUTURE AT THE PALACE. I'M SO PROUD OF YOU ALL STAY IN THE
FIGHT !!!
YOUR FRIEND FROM LOCAL 226
RESPONSE:
Thanks for the congratz! We plan on taking this all the way to
our first contract and beyond!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #211) From the Organizing
Committee 11-6-07:
Hear the news about Loveman? He has purchased a 2.4% interest
in the Boston Celtics! WOW! He must be fulfilling a dream! Now, the rest of
the story:
To be approved for his minority stake in the team and because
of his ties to Harrah's, it had to be stipulated that Harrah's sports books
could not take any bets on Celtics games. So, Loveman has ordered all Celtic
games to be taken off of the boards! AMAZING!
For Mr. Loveman's own personal gain,
he will be refusing bets on the Celtics games, resulting in a loss of revenue
for Harrah's Entertainment and ALL of the shareholders. Even if the revenue
lost is only one dollar, it is still lost revenue. Can ANY one of us do
something like that? NO WAY! If we do ANYTHING that can be perceived as a
possible lost opportunity for Harrah's to make money, we would be instantly
FIRED!
We are supposed to "trust" these guys and our money?
The "man" himself is not even looking out for Harrah's money! What
if by chance the Celtics were to make it to the Playoffs and the Finals? There
would be NO ACTION on those games on ANY Harrah's properties! The result could
be millions of dollars lost, just so Mr. Loveman can appease his own childhood
dream!
Dealers of Caesars Palace, this is blatant thievery! Not from
us, but from the Shareholders of HET, who management so vehemently swear to
work/profit and make decisions for!
You think they will not take our tokes to add to the bottom
line and their bonuses as well if given the opportunity? They
are fleecing the shareholders now! This man should be immediately
removed as CEO of HET and removed from the Board! He is NOT the SOLE OWNER of
HET!
Loveman "stubbed his toe" AGAIN!
To read the story and about the deal >>> CLICK
HERE <<<
Remember this news when you go to the Polls and VOTE YES for
the Union, or we will be fleeced next!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #210) From a Ex-Executive Dealer 11-6-07:
Congratulations!!! Please stay focused while you get closer
to a collective bargaining agreement. You have miles to go before you can rest.
Excellent progress though!! Keep up the great work.
Oh by the way, I recall when your swing shift manager "M
C" was laid off from the Rio, he was very anti Harrah's. He had many nasty
things to say about them. He used to be so pro dealer...my how times have
changed.
RESPONSE:
Thanks for the Congratz! Yes, there is a looooong road ahead of
us, but we have been on a rocky road for decades. As the Reader writes, "Please
stay focused while you get closer to a collective bargaining agreement."
The reader also pints out a fine example of how people change
their ideas and opinions as fast as the wind. Promises made today are lies of
tomorrow.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #209) From a Wynn Dealer 11-6-07:
Awesome! Congratulations Caesars Dealers!!!
RESPONSE:
Thanks!
We have tried to reassure all the Dealers at The Wynn that
HERE COME THE ROMANS!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #208) From a Full Time Dealer
11-6-07:
CAESARS GOES UNION....GO CAESARS GO!!!
TO MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS AT CAESARS: WE HAVE FILED BUT THE
FIGHT IS NOT OVER. MANAGEMENT WILL KEEP TRYING WITH THE FEEL GOOD TACTICS BUT DO
NOT LET YOUR GUARD DOWN...THEY MAY EVEN TRY WITH INTIMIDATION TACTICS SUCH AS
THE LETTER FROM MR. JENKIN...STAY STRONG AND REALIZE HOW IMPORTANT WE ARE TO THE
DEALERS OF THIS CITY.
WE ARE THE KEY TO THIS CITY...SO LET US STAND STRONG AND
UNITED.
WE WILL PROVE THAT WE CANNOT BE INTIMIDATED AND TREATED LIKE
SECOND CLASS CITIZENS.
WE WILL PROVE THAT WE CAN UNITE...YES DEALERS CAN AGREE ON
SOMETHING!
VOTE YES ..YES...YES...TO THE UNION!!
RESPONSE:
We expect they have a few "tricks" up their sleeves,
but we have the internet and emails! Whenever they attempt something, we will do
our best to lay out the truth here!
DO NOT be fooled by the BIG BONUS executives! What we gain, they
lose, and they are going to fight us to keep their bonuses intact! Go about your
normal job, be happy and "upbeat and positive" because we all know
there IS a light at the end of the tunnel.
When the election day comes we will send our message to them:
NO MORE "AT-WILL" STATUS!
TRUE "PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE"!
BETTER WORKING CONDITIONS, WAGES, BENEFITS and TOKE SECURITY!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #207) From a Full Time Dealer
11-6-07:
I heard a very interesting rumor from a reliable source
today. The swing shift manager, M.C., has already tried to get our tokes taken
and split with the supervisors. That should tell you what type of mentality is
coming up in the management end of these corporations. Next time he may have a
casino manager that is more receptive to his ideas.
Who is to say who the manager is today or tomorrow at the
rate we are bought and sold and our management changes.
So even if you like these guys and you don't have any
problems, you must protect yourselves and your money...corporations have no
shame.
Vote "yes" for the Union.
Dealers unite...stand proud...stand tall.
GO CAESARS DEALERS...ALWAYS A LEADER IN THE GAMING
INDUSTRY...YES TO THE UNION!!!!!
RESPONSE:
Yes, we too have heard this very same thing from several
different sources. We had heard he has said to many people that he saw nothing
wrong with what Steve-O did at his property with the Dealer's tokes, but didn't
approve of the way it was done. Is there a right way to steal from us?
Funny thing is, Mr. Jenkin is in charge of this person who tried
to do this. What did Mr. Jenkin say? Evidently those who he "leads" do
not agree with his UNSIGNED "letter" (which a rebuttal is being worked
on) placed in the Dealer's Room. Jenkin can not even control his own people, and
we should trust him? We think NOT!
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #206) From a Swing Shift Dealer
11-6-07:
Because of ALL the work you have done on this web sight it
has become a large task to find new pages and updates ... could you please put
up a page of what pages have been changed and what dates these occur.
RESPONSE:
For the most part, updates are done on this page and on the Home
Page. We have occasionally added new pages, and when we do you can find them by
checking the News Page. You
can also check out the Table of Contents
to see ALL the pages on this website listed with links to each one.
STAY FOCUSED,
STAY STRONG,
STAY UNITED!
TOGETHER WE "DEAL"!
(Post #205) From a 21 Dealer 11-3-07:
In regards to the answer to post #200. IS that true that the
biggest stock holder of Harrahs is GL and the second biggest is the CFO?
RESPONSE:
The information we have concerning Common Stock Ownership is
listed >>> HERE
<<<. Click on the "2007 Notice and Proxy Statement" then
click on page 18 in the side panel to see what the Harrah's Executives own in
common stock as of March 2007. You can also look through the entire report to
see their compensation packages. In regards to who owns how much stock outside
of the Harrah's Executives, we are looking for a report on that (lost the link
we had somehow). If anyone else has a link to that information, please provide
it to us and we will relay the information here.
Please, make sure you print a TWU
Authorization Card fill it out and mail it in today. Tell your
friends about this site! Print extra copies for them!
(Post #204) From a MGM/Mirage Dealer 11-2-07:
OK, here is a suggestion for all of you who have doubts and
are on the fence.
T.... L.... has stated publicly that he disagrees with Steve Wynn's "tip
sharing" policy. He has also stated publicly that he and his company would
never follow the same procedure.
Do this. Ask him to put it in writing. Simple as that. Just ask him for a
meeting and ask him to put it in writing in contract form.
He will not do it. I know. I asked him to sign on to our bill in Carson City and
he would not. He is talking out of both sides or his mouth. But hey, don't
believe me.
Go to his office and ask him to put it in writing. After he refuses you can go
and sign your union card.
He will not help you so help yourself!
RESPONSE:
Put it in writing? No way will he do that! That would close the
door for any future options! There is only one way to protect ourselves from the
corporate greed, and that is with a Collective Bargaining Agreement!
EVERY CASINO DEALER IN NEVADA must get the process started NOW!
The process is long. The fastest any casino has gathered enough cards to
petition the NLRB is 2 1/2 months! Dealers tokes will NOT be protected UNTIL the
petition for a vote is filed, which requires signed cards. START NOW by
contacting the TWU and getting your Organizing Committees formed.
Please, make sure you print a TWU
Authorization Card fill it out and mail it in today. Tell your
friends about this site! Print extra copies for them!
(Post #203) From a Dealer 11-2-07:
Being a dealer for 26years I shouldn't have been hesitant
about signing my card but I was. After reading all the comments I'm ashamed. I
should have been the first one in line.......don't be just another nobody, stand
up and make a difference, not for those like me on my way out, but for our
children on their way in. Sign your card, then vote YES.
RESPONSE:
The "conditioning" we as Dealers have went through
over the decades is very difficult to overcome. There is no need to be ashamed,
you have learned the truth.
We have heard many "senior" Dealers make comments to
the effect that the Union will not do much for them because they are close to
retirement, but still sign cards anyway knowing what they are doing will affect
the industry and the young Dealers for years to come.
We also hear many say, "Dealers should have organized years
ago" and we agree. Well, now we are going to do it, so in 20 years from now
the young Dealers will not have to be saying the same thing.
Please, make sure you print a TWU
Authorization Card fill it out and mail it in today. Tell your
friends about this site! Print extra copies for them!
(Post #202) From a Full-Time Dealer
11-1-07:
My Caesars Palace brothers and sisters, I would like to say
how proud I am of you. I feel the solidarity in the break room more everyday.
Once everyone was so hush-hush about if they had signed a card or not--now
everyone is very proud to say they have signed a card and encourages the ones
"on the fence" to go ahead and sign. We realize how important we are
in the future of all dealers in Las Vegas and are stepping up to the
plate.
I hear " I thought we had enough" --it is never
enough until we have 100% of every hotel in Las Vegas-- to show these
corporations that "WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH". So keep encouraging everyone
to sign their cards and for those of you at the other hotels--GET BUSY-- and
protect yourselves before the Supreme Court ruling comes in and you catch the
short end of the stick ( I mean TOKES )!!
Caesars Palace Dealers: continue to be the leader as you
always have been and remember:
ALL DEALERS AT CAESARS PALACE ARE ONE!
WE WILL LOOK AFTER ALL DEALERS INTERESTS AND WILL NOT
SEPARATE ONE GROUP FROM ANOTHER...SEGREGATION WAS DEEMED UNCONSTITUTIONAL LONG
AGO!
GO CAESARS GO...SIGN YOUR CARDS TODAY...FULL-TIME, PART-TIME,
X-TRA BOARD, DUAL RATES, AND PCD AND BE ONE FOR ALL AND ALL
FOR ONE!!!!
RESPONSE:
Yes, the solidarity is very evident! There are still a few who
are "hushed" when talking about the Union, and we respect that. But
VERY SOON all will be roaring as we play the part of the Gladiators in the Coliseum
and fight to victory!
STRENGTH and HONOR!
Please, make sure you print a TWU
Authorization Card fill it out and mail it in today. Tell your
friends about this site! Print extra copies for them!
(Post #201) From a Full-Time Dealer
11-1-07:
I heard that if a Pussycat Dealer has a broken fingernail
that they get written up. Is this true?
RESPONSE:
We have heard this too. Any Pussycat Dealer care to respond?
Please, make sure you print a TWU
Authorization Card fill it out and mail it in today. Tell your
friends about this site! Print extra copies for them!
(Post #200) From a Swing Shift Dealer
11-1-07:
Tom Jenkins mentioned a business plan that Harrah's uses. I
just don't understand how Harrah's expects us to take their "PLAN"
serious when they won't spend the money to implement it. Great customer service
but not enough employees to carry it out.
They will evaluate all of us and let us know how we are doing
with their plan. I've had several evaluations and have yet to work any length of
time with anyone doing the evaluation.
The customer is always right and Harrah's proves it by firing
anyone in a jackpot with a customer.
Front line people beg, that's right, beg, to change
some bad rules because these same customers are complaining and we are told to
say nothing negative about the situation, after all profits are up 16% according
to their PLAN. Anyone ever think profits could be up 25%?
Spend money on employees wages, no way. The plan calls for
more training. They don't even pay for professional training they use brain
washed employees.
One last thing, if Unions are so bad, why did fry cook
Tom take so long to go into management? Did Tom Jenkins ever refuse to take a
pay increase bestowed upon him from a union contract? Why don't they (Harrah's)
realize every one doesn't nor want to be the boss? We come to work to earn a
living. Someone has to deal the cards, print the markers, balance the rack,
serve the drinks. Look at the plan, I'm sure it's in there.
Go Caesars Go TWU!
RESPONSE:
Yeah, Tom somehow survived 11 years in the Culinary. Then when
he was "boss", he fired all the waitresses at the Rio who were NOT in
the Culinary. We guess that poor old Tom forgot where he came from huh?
Business Plan? LOL! Yeah, support the Shareholders.
Mr. Loveman being the 2nd largest shareholder of course and our CFO being number
3.
Please, make sure you print a TWU
Authorization Card fill it out and mail it in today. Tell your
friends about this site! Print extra copies for them!
(Post #199) From a Full-Time Dealer
11-1-07:
This is directed to some of our toke cutters and dealers
committee. We have heard some of you are anti-union and impress your opinions on
others ( what a great surprise). Please if you can tell us any other way to
guarantee that greedy corporate America will keep their hands off our tokes
...please tell us...otherwise...butt out.
We started this union drive to PROTECT OUR TOKES!!!! However,
it provided a venue for everyone to vent and J.W. has taken the brunt of that
vent and some of the vent is not fair to him.
If you remember correctly J.W. originally got involved in our
tokes to protect us from the likes of you ( Dealers Committee) that also made up
the rules as you went and showed favoritism in who and how some issues were
resolved.
Just remember, once the union is voted in, those of you that
will not help protect our tokes will no longer be voted in and make extra money
off of us or be able to use the room as your personal lunch and storage area.
I haven't seen too many of you that are that young
yourselves so if I were you...I would get with the program and get a union card
in so you also will still have a job.
I don't think there has been an election for cutters in quite
awhile so when we vote on the issues we have to re-vote on ...make sure your job
is put up for the vote too.
"CAVEAT EMPTOR" SEND IN YOUR TWU CARD TODAY!!
RESPONSE:
We will not divulge to anyone who has or has not sent in an
A-Card. However, if anyone hears anyone talking against the Union, you can
assume they have not sent one in and are not supporting our efforts to secure
our futures.
Many do believe that our Dealer's Committee has at times
exhibited "favoritism", and are possibly correct. We do realize the
need for a Dealer's Committee pre-union, but question if we will need one after
we secure a contract.
As most of you know, the Dealer's Committee is done on a purely
volunteer basis, therefore most will not do the work. As a result, most of our
Dealer's Committee members are basically "self-appointed" as they were
unopposed when it came to electing them. We believe that if we are to continue
to have a Dealer's Committee after we win the Union election that we petition to
have the Dealer's Committee a compensated position. This would more than likely
make the job more appealing to a wider variety of Dealers, resulting in a change
of members, rather than having the same people winning the position by default
for decades.
As for the "Toke Cutters", those positions ARE
compensated and as a result we do see different people assuming the duties
when elections are held.
The main responsibilities of the Dealer's Committee is to
ensure that our toke by-laws are being adhered to, and that is it. They are
NOT to be making policy on their own. Also, when a by-law is to be voted on,
we have seen the wording of the by-laws twisted to ensure that people will
vote a particular way. This practice must stop. The ballots must be clear and
concise.
The main responsibilities of the "Toke Cutters" are
not much different than the Dealer's Committee, with the exception that they
are the ones who actually cut the tokes and fill out the paperwork to submit
to payroll. Because of the additional work, they have been compensated
financially.
We do not believe that all members of either group are against
the Union drive and that some may just be innocent victims caught in a trap.
We believe that the possibility of combining the two jobs is feasible.
That is the way it is done in 99% of other casinos. This is an issue that will
be addressed. This could be the reason, if any, that possibly some on either
committee/cutters are not in full support of the Union drive. This is theory
of course.
As for J.W, taking the "brunt" of things, maybe what
the Reader has stated has some merit. However, there are many more issues than
just what has been referred to that he has been involved in. His intentions
may have been good, but the results have not been.
What the Reader states when they say, "We started this
union drive to PROTECT OUR TOKES!!!!" is mostly correct. Our toke
income is our life. Although there are many other issues which must be
resolved such as Seniority, Job Security, Wages and Benefits. Of these issues,
J.W. does has some direct responsibility for and others are from yet above
him.
Please, make sure you print a TWU
Authorization Card fill it out and mail it in today. Tell your
friends about this site! Print extra copies for them!
(Post #198) From a Full-Time Dealer
10-31-07:
I just want to comment about how our floor supervisors are
being abused. They work them 6 days and sometimes more than that and they pay
them for 5 days. They try to compensate for that by giving them additional days
off when it's slower. The fact is Harrah's is saving on not paying time and a
half on the extra days. The floor people aren't getting any more days off than
they would normally. I have never heard of anything this outrageous in my life.
I just don't understand how a company can be so greedy that they would abuse
these hard working people a couple of extra hundred bucks a pay. These people
are in supervision, company people.
Anyways, just wanted to say something about
that and add that if they will abuse their own, dealers don't stand any chance
for fairness from Harrah's. I'm a dealer, not a floorperson, but this kind of
shit is out of line and it really pisses me off. Just thinking out loud about
this kind of abuse.
RESPONSE:
We agree! If they treat their "Supervisors" this bad,
they will have no mercy on the "Grunts" (Dealers)!
Please, make sure you print a TWU
Authorization Card fill it out and mail it in today. Tell your
friends about this site! Print extra copies for them!
