SEPTEMBER 2007
(Post #114) From a Dealer 9-28-07:
Incase the people that think they wont screw with your
benefits. Look into why the dealers in Atlantic City, are voting union. It's
easy enough to look up. Well I'll save you the time. It's all about them taking
away their benefits! These are the same companies we are working for. The only
difference is they're in New Jersey. It's Time to wake up people !!! The
only thing that matters to them is the bottom line!!! That's it!
RESPONSE:
There are many links on this website to the Atlantic City
Dealer's, such as Atlantic
City Dealer's Union.
When the reader writes, "The only thing that matters to
them is the bottom line!!!" We would like to note here that our CEO,
Mr. Loveman, owned 1.7 Million shares of "common stock" as of February
2007, 2nd only to the "Hilton Group". So, when you hear them say
"they must satisfy the shareholders", who are they really talking
about?
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 #113) From Full-Time Dealer 9-27-07:
Would you buy a car on just a hand shake? No!
Would you buy a house on just a promise? Hell no!
Would you let someone hold $90,000 on trust alone? Uh, I
don't think so would I?
Yeh, that's right! You already do!
Remember he who has the money has the power! Now, who has your money?
He who has the money makes the rules! Again, I ask who has your money?
That's right, now you're getting it!
Protect your tips! Get a contract! Send in a card NOW!
What happened at Wynn must never happen again!
Vote Union!
RESPONSE:
The main point of this reader's feedback is, "Get it in
writing".
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 #112) From Dealer 9-27-07:
If you were in a burning building, but the fire has yet to
reach you, would you wait to see if it does or would you go out the window? We
have a small window of opportunity to ensure our tips will not be taken for
the floor. We must all go through the window before we get burned.
RESPONSE:
We agree.
Let us add another possible scenario (based on the assumption
the Nevada Supreme Court rules in favor of Wynn). We have heard that at the
new Palazzo their tips will be pooled with those of the Venetian. We have also
heard that possibility exists with the Wynn and Encore. If this happens, it is
the corporations setting precedent by combining multiple properties together.
What would stop the possibility of Caesars Palace, Paris, Bally's, Rio,
O'Shea's and Bill's from combining their tips as well? Combine that with our
tips being used to supplement the floor pay and we could be in real financial
trouble! Who would stop the corporations? Individual Dealers? How?
We see a picture being painted, although it is not yet
complete, we can see what it is forming up to be.
There is only one way to ensure this does not happen, and that
is to organize and get a contract!
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 #111) From Wynn Dealer 9-27-07:
All I can tell you is that the supreme court has accepted
our case. You should not dwell on this. You can't wait for our case! The labor
commissioner has worked with Steve Wynn attorneys to screw us on our benefits!
In a work shop last Dec. they attached a bill to another bill that give the
casinos the right to charge us 10 percent of our taxable income, to insure our
dependents. There is also a provision ,that has dealers tips. Since they are
taxable. If you make $80,000, do you want to pay $8000 a year to insure you
wife or kids! They also in this bill, have extended the time to get benefits
from 90 days to 180 day. These are points you need to realize.
RESPONSE:
We agree, we can not wait for the Wynn case decision. We must
act now, while we still have the chance.
We have informed everyone about the 10% insurance cost as
well, and we are due to re-enroll in October (details on benefits are still
unavailable). >>> Insurance
Bill Link <<<
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(Post #110) From 21 Dealer 9-26-07:
If we take a look at the recent Culinary Union contract with
Harrah's, as well as a few other casinos, not only will you find that room
service and banquet services DID NOT get their MANDATORY tips reduced they
actually were increased from 16% to 18% . See if you can verify this amount but
I'm all but certain that they announced this on the news. I at the very least
know it was increased. We must all remember that Caesars AC got the vote, won
and did it rather quickly! Why? I think there will be resistance, the busters
have to show they are worth the money they get paid, but ultimately CP will want
to get the sale done and get back to making money. In essence show there are no
problems that would stop the sale, all will be resolved quickly and that all of
this was inevitable, Steve Wynn just exacerbated it.
RESPONSE:
Thanks for your feedback!
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 #109) From Retired Casino Worker 9-26-07:
Dear Dealers Union Members,
I am Wxxxxx Cxxxxx, 39 years in the Casino as a Chief Security, Craps, Wheel, 21
Dealer and Management. (Now retired.)
While reading your web page. I was impressed. It looks like you might have more
success than the dealers had at Harold's Club in Reno, Golden Gate Casino and
Frontier Hotel in the past. You will have to control, support and pay your Union
Dews.
You must understand while on your journey to job security. As long as the State
of Nevada Legislature and Governor has the power to control who, what and how
all monies are controlled in the Casinos Industry.
A bad deed, that was crafted over Casino Dealers! So well crafted by the Hotel
Casino Corporations, paid for by Summa Corporation through Sue Lawden and her
husband and others that owned the Sahara Hotel. Along with a few other Casino
Managers and Shift Bosses from Las Vegas, Reno and other small counties legislators
that worked for Summa Corporation that was serving in the Legislature back in
1976-1980.
There is a case in Reno, NV back in 1972 between a 21 Dealer that was also a
Lawyer in Reno, that worked at Harold's Club. (I was a Shift Boss at Harold's
Club at the time.) She won the case for herself and the dealers. A 21, Big Six
or wheel dealer could keep their own tips, crap dealers as a crew of four
dealers had full control of their tips.
In 1976 I was a Dice Pit Supervisor at the Land Mark Hotel when the law was
changed very quietly. But the Casino's didn't enforce their new law or make a
big deal of the new law for over seven years. Until about 1983 and only very lightly
in the smaller casinos. As you all know today, the Law has become a big employer
money eating Bear. The Casino Hotel think a dealer should make only $5.25 Hr.
and not a cent more.
The Casinos hasn't been happy working us and now you at minimum wages over the
last 25 years. I am not going into what $25.00 a 8 hr. day and $50.00 tips a day
would buy in 1966. You do the math what this sum of money would be today if you
were fairly paid for your service by today's employer. We had better insurance
than any I have had since I worked the first 5 of 14 years at the Tropicana
Hotel in 1983 to 1988.
Today Medicare and $187.47 a month AARP want cover blood test. They call blood
test an experimental Test.
The Employer now wants all the rewards of the dealers service to the customer.
They don't want to honor your loyalty. They think they can force you to take a
knife in the back from them all the way into slavery. While they get Richer,
their children goes to College, they go to the best Doctors in the world, they
Eat the best food, have Big Houses, unbelievable Wages, Stock Options and
Retirements, while you get POORER and die.
Take it from me if you go to see a doctor about your heart you will be out of a
job with in the next year. You will be finished as for as a job in the Casinos
or any other job in this country.
Without a Union and voting block that fights for your union contract and the
members as a total body security. That works together in the same direction
towards your Civil Contracts Laws while working, Constitution and Bill of Rights
as a free nation of Citizens.
You can make a better way of life in a Dealers Union, just as the Firemen and
Policemen you pay for through your taxes. What makes them deserve more rights
than you?
There is no retirement from the Casinos as a dealer, Floorman, Pit Boss or Shift
Boss. So all Casino employees throughout these four levels should become a
Casino Dealers Union Member. Working for Casinos today you will never know when
you will be back to dealing.
Social Security is it and the Employer and Congress today tries to make it as
small as they can get away with. or not at all. Today if you are over 50 years
old you are subject to be broke and homeless before you reach 62. Your bylaws
should have full retirement after 20 years total of full employment under your
Union Contracts regardless how many employers you work for during 20 years. The
older employees may not benefit. But isn't the future generation what it is all
about.
Get ready for the Third World Casino Supervisors arrival in Las Vegas soon.
Learn who the comptroller is in your Casino Hotels. He is the real boss and sets
all expenses, wages and benefits on your Hotel property. His job comes from the
real owners. Not the CEO!
As you will find out, the Casino's pay for all the Politicians Democrat and
Republican in the State of Nevada. But, the Secret is to quietly run and support
one of your union members for as many political offices as soon as you can. Form
a Voting Block! Other wise your union will be just another insurance collector.
If that.
Another thing! The Italians was not the Mob.
They were just the soldiers of the Mob, run by the same Jewish Mob of Israel,
that have control of all the Casino's today as Mega Corporations. As well as
Wall Street and the Federal Reserve Bank. I have worked for a few of them at the
Sands, Dunes, Tropicana, Silver Slipper, Flamingo, Greece, England.
Now that they have bought Jack Binion out there are no real American Citizens
that own Casinos. The Mob is bigger today than it ever was. They now have their
man as the Mayor and have a legal Police force and the DA courts to do their
bidding.
And this new Union will have a young new membership that has no idea of their
rights under Civil and Federal Laws. Nor do they know how to try to retrieve
them. Union leaders Do You?
An honest Lawyer is very hard to find these days. The ones in Las Vegas seem to
fall to the biggest $$$$bucks, like leaves from a dead tree in the Fall. You
might have to grow your own like the Jewish Mob has these last 25 years.
God bless and Good Luck!
Sincerely,
Wxxxxx Cxxxxx
Members take good care of your TAXES! They will be looking into your TAX
business if you get a contract. If not before.
Make sure all of you register to vote independent so you can use your
voting block over both parties. The United States is A Constitution Republic!
Not a Democratic Government witch is a Socialist Capitalist Government. As we
can see today is becoming a Communist State if the citizen don't take action
soon.
The people at the top (Owners- Stock-Holders) does not know what is really
happening at the bottom until the lawyers and the Press show up at their door. Or
their Stock takes a hit. Example Steve Wynn let Mirage Corporation stock run
down to $12.00 and MGM stepped in and took it. I don't know what you folks
call it but I call it controlled thief from the stockholders and the
workers that gave their lives to make that casino one of the best in the
world. That was a Bunko Operation at top speed.
Bunko operations are running free in every department in a Casino Hotel.
The roomer mills the bunko operators keep going among the Union members and
Dealers are what make them successful and unseen.
The Good Guy- The Bad Guy Managers. Both Manager types are all of
the same Gang.
The Comptroller is the main man over everyone. He is the money God!
All of the local Unions should try to have the Nevada State Labor Laws
changed to remove at will hiring and firing and the right to work law (if) a
Hotel Casino signs a Union Contract to gain employees. These laws are another
bad deal list of laws Summa Corporation paid for through the Hotel Casino
Association back in the 1980's.
Sincerely,
Wxxxxx Cxxxxx
RESPONSE:
Thank you for writing in and sharing your knowledge with us.
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 #108) From Anonymous 9-26-07:
Hello,
I currently do not work in the business but have done so in the past in many
different capacities from dealer to shift manager. I have observed what has
happened to the dealers at Wynn. I agree with your assessment that if they lose
the case in the supreme court that it will mark the beginning of declining wages
to those that toil in the pits of Las Vegas. With this in mind I want to offer
some ideas that you may consider in order to avoid a drastic change in the way
everyone is paid.
1. Create a Legal Defense Fund for the Wynn Dealers. (not sure if this has
already been done.) No offense intended to the local attorneys that have been
hired but you need to consider hiring the best in the country. You need to
create a “Dream Team” of labor lawyers to go in and win this case.
Additionally by bringing in higher level legal talent you will also gain badly
needed media attention.
All financial efforts must be directed to this cause first. You must develop an
attitude that you are ALL “in it to win it” in terms of supporting the Wynn
dealers case at the supreme court level. While I agree that it is important to
unionize at ALL properties, if you win the supreme court case your money will be
afforded immediate protection. Then you can go ahead and organize effectively
after you win the case. It is imperative that you are all united behind the Wynn
dealers NOW. You don’t need a union for that. You need to contribute with your
dollars to help them build a Legal War Chest. You must use corporate warfare
tactics NOW to win the case. You must outspend Steve Wynn to win the case. Seek
out the best lawyers in the country, those that have a winning record in these
types of cases and retain them to fight your case. Certainly you can unite them
with the current local attorneys you have. Remember “Dream Team”.
2. Hire a public relations company to take your case to the media and the court
of public opinion. Supreme court judges read the paper and watch the news. You
must win in the court of public opinion. You must mount a public relations
campaign that is both local and national in scope.
3. Get Mean! You are in a battle with some of the sharpest business minds in the
world. You must get mean and start to hit them in their wallet. This is risky
but can be very effective. You must start to stage MASSIVE sick outs. You must
show that you have Muscle and start to flex it. Imagine for a minute what the
effect would be if on the night of the upcoming Mayweather/Hatton fight dealers
and floor people all over the strip called in sick? Just stop and think for a
minute what kind of financial impact that would have? If right now you feel that
it would not be right to do that then you may not have what it takes to WIN this
fight. Believe me, you can and you must organize NOW (you don’t need a union
for that) and GET MEAN.
Additionally you must pay people to stage peaceful protest outside of Wynn’s
hotel supporting the dealers. If they are not affiliated with the union or any
other group then what can be done to them? You must use the same
“underhanded” tactics that they would not think twice to use against you.
“Get Mean”.
You must be creative and slick about the things you can do to hit them in their
collective wallet. Consider asking other labor groups that book convention
business here to go elsewhere for now. Again risky moves but effective. You must
find ways to show that you have muscle and mean business.
Do you recall the tactics that were used to “Swift Boat” John Kerry in the
last presidential election? This campaign was mounted by an organization that
had no “official” ties to the Republican Party. Nonetheless it was a very
effective campaign that the Republican Party benefited from. It is these types
of tactics that you must employ as well. Be Creative!!
The people that run casinos are counting on a long known fact; “Two dealers
cannot agree on anything”. The dealers at Wynn have already proven that to be
false in this day and age. The rest of you must now prove them wrong as well.
Good Luck!
RESPONSE:
Thanks for writing in! Sounds like a great strategy.
The only way we can get Dealers that organized though is through
the current Union drive going on. There really is no other central "meeting
point".
We do know of another group that is trying to make change
through legislation and will forward your outline to them. A movement like this
could be "right up their alley".
This website is drawing many onlookers, many of which we assume
are Dealers. We would be more than happy to collect all contact information of
anyone who would like to get involved.
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 #107) From a Dealer 9-25-07:
i am very happy that cp dealers are following beautifull thing
wynn dealers start
congradulation
remember
what happens at wynn shoud not happne anywhere else
and you help stoping it
RESPONSE:
Thank you very much for your feedback! Make sure you tell all of
your friends this is the right thing to do and have them send in their cards.
Thank you.
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 #106) From a 21 Dealer 9-23-07:
Come on Caesars dealers. Show some b...s! Stand up and be
counted. Protect yourselves before it is too late. And don't kid yourselves for
one minute. Do you really think that these dollar pinching corporations are
going to give the supervisors a raise with their money if they can use yours
instead? Come on! Face reality! You are a target. You are next. In fact each and
every dealer in Las Vegas is next.
Wynn saved $7 million by using our money instead of his. That is $7 million more
in his pocket. Now how much do you think Harrah's is going to save? Do you
really think that they are not going to do it?
Reality is a bitch and it is coming straight at you.
RESPONSE:
The reader writes, "Reality is a bitch and it is coming
straight at you." we agree!
Steve Wynn has WON in EVERY court so far. The courts have upheld
what he has done, as has the Labor Board (Tanchek's gotta go, as do the judges
and politicians who killed Bob Beers Bill!). There is ONLY ONE
MORE COURT to go before the word is FINAL. That is the Nevada State
Supreme Court. There will be no appeals. There will be no Federal Courts! This
is it!
From what it looks like, he may very will win in the Supreme
Court as well. When that happens, EVERY CASINO in the State of Nevada will
confiscate the Dealers tips for redistribution! COUNT ON IT!
We have ONLY one option....UNION!!!!! But we must act
N-O-W!!!!!
As soon as we file for a "secret ballot" EVERYTHING
FREEZES! So, as long as we beat the Supreme Court in their decision, they can
NOT take our tokes! However, when the Supreme Court decides in favor of Wynn,
and the casinos confiscate our tokes, they now have won and we must then try
to negotiate it OUT of a contract (fat chance).
YOU MUST ALL REALIZE HOW IMPORTANT THIS
REALLY IS! This is NOT a scare tactic, but reality!!!!
Do YOU want to be the one responsible for all of us losing our
tokes? Do you? If you do NOT send in your A-Card ASAP, it will be YOU who are
responsible for sitting back and "waiting to see" what happens. It
will be like sitting on a beach to watch the hurricane come ashore!
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 #105) From a ????? 9-23-07:
is there anyway this union can change our rules back to
normal on pit 6 and 8?
RESPONSE:
We are not sure what this reader means, so we are going to make
some assumptions. If you are asking if the Union can force Caesars Palace to
change the "rules" of the games, the answer is NO. No Union can tell a
company how to run their business in that respect. The Union can NOT tell them
how to set the "rules" of the games or the "table limits" accepted
by the house. We are hopeful that they will eventually "see the light"
and see how many customers have failed to return to CP after being subjected to
terrible "rules" concerning the games.
We will almost bet this quarter the earnings will take a small
hit because of the lack of return customers who they have "turned
off".
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 #104) From a Full-Time Dealer 9-22-07:
To those of you that may feel you are betraying a trust to
management, Gary Loveman has a contract, Gary Selesner has a contract, Jimmy
Wike has a contract, even the maid has a contract- aren't you entitled to have a
contract. We are the hospitality face of Caesars Palace. A face that has shown
pride and loyalty beyond any company's expectations should be.
AND THEN CAME HARRAH'S! but we are still very proud to be the face of Caesars
and each and every day strive to give our guests the most memorable service over
and above their expectations. We deserve to have a contract, representation and
to protect the benefits we currently have before they continue to dwindle. Send
in your TWU CARD and let us stand up and be united. Please understand how
important Caesars is in uniting ALL dealers. Be proud and do your part. Send in
your TWU card.
RESPONSE:
We completely agree! Be part of HISTORY, because we are making
it right now!
However, if you want to have your tokes confiscated every day
(The Wynn Dealers are NOT allowed in the "cut room" and are NEVER
provided with any information on the "toke drop"), split with the
floor, or if you want higher insurance premiums and deductibles, or if you want
a worse retirement program (or have it eliminated), if you are happy with SHS,
if you like favoritism, if you want to totally do away with seniority, if you
like being an "at will" employee, if you won't mind being transferred
to another property, if you like having TWO people set your toke policies, and
if you plain don't give a shit about anything but your precious $6-7 an hour
wage, then ignore this website because a Union is not for you. It's your choice.
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 #103) From an Ex-Caesars Palace Dealer/Supervisor
9-22-07:
Kudos, all that is apart of this fabulous effort of Union. I
hail you! I thought it would be a long time in coming before I saw Las Vegas
Dealers unite towards a common goal.
I quit Caesars Palace after Harrah’s took over. I worked at Caesars over 15
years in the casino, started as a dealer and then went to a supervisor position;
I just couldn’t take it anymore. I am a firm believer that Union is the only
way to keep these blood thirsty corporations at bay. Before I left, I couldn’t
believe how many casino workers were stuck with 2 part time jobs and no
insurance. Protect yourselves and God Bless.
RESPONSE:
This person DID identify themselves to us and we can tell you we
miss them. Thanks for keeping in touch and good luck in your new career!
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 #102) From a Dealer from an unspecified
casino 9-22-07:
Hi Everyone,
I recently met with Joe and Steve. I am from a different casino. I also attended
your meeting on Thur. I thought that my casino was the only one having problems
besides the Wynn dealers. I am hear to tell you that this has become a epidemic
with management telling us what to do with our tokes! As I meet other dealers
from other properties I am shocked to hear what their management teams are
doing!
I have been in the casino industry for 28 yrs. I never disliked my job, I had
fun dealing. For the first time I hate "the business"!
It is time for all dealers in Vegas to unite and stand together! We are
important to the success of a casino keeping their doors open. Don't
underestimate yourself. No matter how many extra-board dealers they are hiring
there is not enough dealers to go around. Imagine a break-in dealer dealing to
Packer, (God rest his soul). Don't let them think that they can just replace
you. Believe me they NEED experienced dealers.
Caesar's dealers, I'm proud of you! Sign your cards and know that my casino is
just around the corner. When you vote YES for a union it will be a domino
effect.
Good Luck and know that all dealers are watching you guys!
RESPONSE:
Thanks for writing in! This reader DID identify themselves to us
with name, phone and email. We will NOT divulge ANYONE'S identity!
We know the "issues" listed on this website are
basically the same issues throughout the industry.
As you can see Caesars Dealers, when the reader writes, "When
you vote YES for a union it will be a domino effect." it is not just
us saying that, but Dealers from other casinos.
We urge the other casino Dealers in Las Vegas, PLEASE DO NOT
take the "wait and see" approach. We know you are all watching, but
get active, call the Las Vegas Dealers Local 721, set meetings and start
collecting your Cards NOW. Tell your fellow Dealers about our website and tell
them to print out their Authorization Cards NOW.
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 #101) From a Wynn Dealer 9-22-07:
Hey! Wynn Dealer here... Regarding trusting management/casino
owners.... Let's don't for one minute forget the speech that Steve Wynn gave to
the dealers pre-vote of the union. Actions speak louder than words. The words SW
spoke wound up louder than any actions he promised to take. Remember that, when
management promises you pies in the sky.
RESPONSE:
Thanks for writing in!
The reader writes, "when management promises you pies in
the sky." Actually, if you believe management the "pie in the
sky" will drop and will turn into "a pie in your face".
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 #100) From a Dice Dealer 9-22-07:
For those of you who have been reticent about turning in your
cards I urge you to overcome your inertia and get em in. The faster we can get
the ball rolling the faster we will afford ourselves a modicum of protection
from the powers that be. Make no mistake they care nothing for you. You are a
number, 'a liability'.
I worked for (edited) for a number of years and rest assured anything they didn't
have to 'give' to the teamsters they looked upon as a gain for themselves. Our
company is no different except that we have no means of protecting ourselves.
Therefore we are at their mercy. Lets change that. WE need a voice and your card
sent in will help us to get a 'voice'. Get it in. Get it in now.
RESPONSE:
The reader writes, "...we have no means of protecting
ourselves. Therefore we are at their mercy. Lets change that." HEAR
HEAR!
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 #99) From a 21 Dealer 9-21-07:
Bravo to the gals and guys in charge of this website!!! I
appreciate the fact that you have been able to keep your heads in reality. There
are a few who would like us to live in a cloud, not see what is really
happening, and what could happen in the future. They would like to keep us blind
and in a position of false trust. I for one, want the facts. I don't want to be
one of those people down the line who say "why is this happening to
me?" I have been given the truth and I have a choice either to set myself
up to be a victim, or to take a pro-active stand. I know I feel better, when I
do something about my life and about my future. THE CORPORATIONS AND THEIR
MANAGERS CANNOT BE TRUSTED!!! I am not important to them. I must take a stand
today so that tomorrow I am not a victim. Please be with me, please get your
head out of the sand while there is still time. THE FACTS ARE THE FACTS. Maybe
your life is a walk in the park today, but NOTHING is written in stone! Please
help us support YOUR future!
RESPONSE:
Thanks for the "kudos". We agree 100% with your
Feedback, however we want to clarify something. When you write, "THE
CORPORATIONS AND THEIR MANAGERS CANNOT BE TRUSTED" we just want
everyone to know this is NOT a personal attack on the managers. All of our
managers/supervisors have a job to do, rather they agree with it or not. They
too have families to feed and bills to pay. They will be told things to do and
how to act by their superiors and to keep their jobs, like us, they must do what
they are told. Just because they are doing/saying something that we don't agree
with, does not mean that they agree with it either.
We believe that most all of our supervisors agree with what we
are doing here and realize it will benefit them as well. But for the time being
they must say/do what they are told. That does NOT mean we have to believe what
they say or do. On the contrary. Let them do their jobs, we will do ours. Smile
at them and say, "Sure, uh-huh" and go on your way. Don't get into any
debates with them over the merits of a Union. It is illegal for any of them to
try to persuade you from joining a Union. If they try, send us some feedback
with their names and a description of the event. We will get it taken care of.
When we have the Union voted in, we will all be friends again and they will no
longer be receiving "orders" to brow-beat us and feed us with
misinformation. Trust your "peers", NOT your supervisors. It will all
work out in the end.
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 #98) From a Dealer 9-21-07:
I really learned a lot at the meeting yesterday. I am so glad
I went. I feel much easier now I know we are not alone. It was cool to see
dealers there from not only the Wynn, but two other casinos getting their feet
in too! The dealers of Las Vegas Dealers Local 721 is going to be very strong
very soon! I can't wait until the next meeting, please post it again when it
happens.
RESPONSE:
We're pleased that you made it to a meeting! Yes, we are not
alone, we heard there was a total of four casinos at the meetings over-all.
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 #97) From a Palace Court Dealer 9-21-07:
I would like to say thank you to the Wynn dealers who showed
up at our union meeting, it is really good to know that we have your support. I
realize that the turnout wasn't as big as we had hoped, but I also know that
most wouldn't come because the fear of repercussions. I know the people who have
helped put this together put a lot of effort and time into it and we all
appreciate that. I think the management sent their people to look and see what
kind of turnout there was, the dealers at Caesars are smart, they knew you would
be there. I know we are strong because I hear it everyday. Pretty soon we will
have a vote, and then we will be able to show up, without fear!! That is the day
that I am waiting for. We must stay together, and keep strong for our rights and
the rights of our future!! Were almost there.
RESPONSE:
We can show up without fear NOW. It is against the Law to
"punish" any employee for attending ANY organizing Meeting! Period!
We were told that "card numbers" were given out at the
Meetings. It has been relayed to us that the TWU now has over half the cards
required to petition the NLRB for a vote! That's GREAT news! All from just this
website! Amazing! Come on Dealers, get on board the fast train to job security!
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 #96) From a Wynn Dealer 9-21-07:
Hey guys and gals,
Wynn dealer again. WOW, What a meeting that you had tonight. The Caesars dealers
that I met tonight are in a class of their own!!! I am going to be so honored to
call you all brothers and sisters. This union is going to be so strong and
unified!!! Thank you for letting me join you in your meeting. You are amazing.
Stand up and stay strong. Good job tonight!!!!
RESPONSE:
Thanks for attending! We are sure you made an impact! See you
next time!
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 #95) From a Dice Dealer 9-21-07:
Come On Day Shift Dice. You went from table for table, to
shift for shift, to 24 hours with 21, next it will be from 24 hours to
management! It has and is happening to you!
SEND IN A TWU CARD!
RESPONSE:
Not only did that happen to the Dice Dealers, but to the
Baccarat Dealers as well (pre-Palace Court). Little-by-little they are inching
their way in and soon they will be completely controlling our tokes!
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 #94) From a Full-Time Dealer 9-21-07:
In case there are some that are so naive to think that we
work at such a reputable corporation that they would never take our tokes, may I
point this out. Who is Wynn's social circle...of course.. all the CEO's and
Presidents of our gaming establishments. and guess what they are waiting
for...to see if he gets away with taking his dealers money. Wynn put a cap on
what his dealers can make overseas and the rest...you got it ..goes to him. If
he gets away with this ,WE ARE NEXT! If you sign a card and we file for a vote,
Harrah's can NEVER take our money. If you wait, SHAME ON YOU! If you fill out
your card you will be able to hold your head up high and be proud that you
fought for your rights.
RESPONSE:
The Reader writes, "Who is Wynn's social circle...of
course.. all the CEO's and Presidents of our gaming establishments. and guess
what they are waiting for...to see if he gets away with taking his dealers
money." What? We are not invited to diner with them? But they decide on
our tokes and our futures and won't even invite us?
The Reader writes, "If he gets away with this ,WE ARE
NEXT! If you sign a card and we file for a vote, Harrah's can NEVER take our
money. If you wait, SHAME ON YOU! If you fill out your card you will be able to
hold your head up high and be proud that you fought for your rights."
And that fellow Dealers are the FACTS!
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 #93) From a 21 Dealer 9-21-07:
JUST TO LET THE DEALERS AT CAESARS KNOW THAT THEY DO NOT
STAND ALONE...EVEN THE A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE STAGE HANDS WAS AT THE MEETING TO
LET US KNOW ...WE HAVE SUPPORT!!!
RESPONSE:
Great! We know that other Unions and the AFL-CIO are behind us!
It is good to hear some showed up!
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 #92) From a Full-Time Dealer 9-21-07:
Hi My Sisters and Brothers,
I went to a union meeting and had a few questions answered. Some people ask ,
"Why this Union?" I say, Why not! They already represent the Wynn
dealers and who wouldn't want to be "LOCAL 721 DEALERS" sounds great
doesn't it. The Wynn dealers are in negotiations and ARE making headway with
some issues already agreed upon. The pressure on them has lightened up and no
one has been fired for organizing. DON'T WAIT TILL THEY TAKE OUR MONEY PEOPLE.
SIGN A TWU CARD AND MAIL IT IN!!!!! Once they have enough cards the union will
file with the NLRB and all things stay status quo until WE negotiate OUR
contract. I don't understand why people, old, young, male, female, PCD, or
experienced are waiting. We are ALL DEALERS...brothers and sisters.. we need to
support each other against CORPORATE MANIPULATION OF OUR MONEY AND OUR JOB
SECURITY...not to mention our health benefits...401k... need I say more...SIGN
...SIGN...SIGN...IT IS CONFIDENTIAL...YOU WILL NOT LOSE YOUR JOB FOR SIGNING A
CARD!!!
RESPONSE:
We are happy that you made it to the Meetings! Wish I could have
made it myself, but I had a family emergency. Next time we will all be there!
The reader writes, "...IT IS CONFIDENTIAL...YOU WILL NOT
LOSE YOUR JOB FOR SIGNING A CARD!!!" Not only that, but you will NOT
lose your job for voting "Yes" and joining the Union!
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 #91) From a Full-Time Dealer 9-20-07:
I would like to talk to the dealers who have just started
their careers at Caesars. I remember when I first started it was like a dream.
Of course the money was exciting but I soon came to realize that the money was
only a small part of working at the Palace. Caesars was a job you could build
your life around and feel good about yourself. Do your best and you didn't have
to worry. That feeling of peace is more than words can describe. Unfortunately
in today's corporate greed world that feeling can only be achieved by uniting
together like our fellow employees in their unions. The old saying " the squeaky
wheel gets the grease" is so true. The only way our squeaks will ever be
heard is by saying it together. I have something to say about 'juice'. When I
was trying to get hired at Caesars my family was very close to the President of
the hotel. When I asked him if I could work at Caesars he threw up his hands and
said" I've got Senators and Congressman and people that I cant even mention
that I have promised jobs to and cant help I'm sorry but no." Everyone that
you see working here for any period of time must of had incredible 'juice'. The
point is 'juice is very short lived. Upper-management takes their money and runs
and middle-management is just trying to survive. As a matter of fact your
'juice' knows a union is best for your long term interests and would respect you
more if you got involved no matter what they are forced to say. We all adapt
very quickly to living the Caesars life, nice houses, cars, kids, vacations and
then BAM before you know it were a little older and we don't have the PCD look
anymore, our 'juice' is gone and the ever changing bonus seekers are telling us
were bad employees. These corporations have numbers in their heads about how
many 10 yr, 15yr, 20yr employees they will allow. We don't want to play that
game. Pussycat Doll dealers you guys are awesome you have brought much needed
life and energy to our casino. Keep up the great work. We also want you guys to
raise families with us.
RESPONSE:
Thanks for your feedback! You are very wise!
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 #90) From a 21 Dealer 9-20-07:
I heard that Harrah's can transfer any dealer from any
property to any property they want without asking the dealer. Has anyone else
heard this? If this is true, they could ruin everyone's lives! We must get a
Union in here now!
RESPONSE:
This is the first we have heard of anything like that
possibility. Talk about scary! If they can do that it would have devastating
effects on a great many people if they actually did do it. We are not sure.
But then again, who would have though that Wynn would've/could've done what he
did!
People, this is just an example of what possibilities exist
without a contract! Do we all want to sit back and watch our lives go down the
toilet after so many years of dedicated service?
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 #89) From Who Knows??? (they didn't ID
themselves as a Dealer or anything) 9-19-07:
To all dealers - don't let the outspoken few sway your
decision; unionizing is not the answer. Yes, the Union may sound like the
answer for all of your needs, but please consider all the aspects of
unionizing. I can tell you this from experience...the union protects the weak
and undesirable in a lot of cases (remember that cocktail waitress you
mentioned got to come back to work with her long paper trail?). Think about
that dealer that doesn't do his/her job, is a nuissance to the rest of you, or
harasses you. The union will fight for these kind of people to keep their
jobs, and you want the Union to represent you? Read the issues carefully and
think if they really apply to you.
Hospital tokes...only those people constantly on LOA or abusing FMLA really
benefit from this. Why should you money pay for these people? In theory, it's
a great idea. Unfortunately, there are many dealers who abuse the LOA system.
That guy who was fired after calling out one day...think about it. You can't
get fired for missing one day of work. Obviously he had an attendance problem
to begin with and that's why he was fired.
Issurance issues...maybe if people took better care of themselves, issurance
premiums would not continue to rise. My mother works in a union position. I
can tell you that even though you may think she's "protected" by a
union, her benefits have changed over the years too and more comes out of her
pocket every year.
Maternity leave...you cite the difference between union and non-union
maternity leave and in another breath you fight for tokes while someone is on
LOA. Do you plan on fighting for a mother to get tokes while on a 1 year
maternity leave? Is that exactly fair?
Toke issues...you cite how management has their hands in your tokes.
Management is protecting many of the workers who are tired of hearing the
outspoken few fight for what benefits them personally and not the group as a
whole. If I wanted someone to get hospital tokes, bereavement tokes, etc.,
then I would take up a private pool for those who wished to contribute. How is
it fair to force people to give up their tokes for something they many not
support?
Toke sharing...you try to scare people by saying that Harrahs might start
giving your tokes to the supervisors. Obviously that didn't work out well for
the Wynn...do you really think Harrahs would follow a failed plan? It just
doesn't make sense. Just to play devil's advocate...However, your supervisors
do work right beside you and bear more liability in decision making, yet they
are making less than the hourly employees they supervise. They assist you in
the job you perform. Just as bussers who assist servers get some tips, it's
not completely crazy to think a supervisor who assists you in your job could
get a share as well.
Sorry to be so long-winded, I just want to make sure that you really consider
that all the information being given to you is in a way that would obviously
make it seem like a Union is the answer. There are several ways to see every
issue. My position is one which could unionize, but I tell you that I would
never do it. Please look at the issues presented and think of how it applies
to you and if it is really an issue for you. This is a major decision.
RESPONSE:
Thank you for your feedback. You leave us a lot to respond to. But before we
start, we would like to point out that you have failed to mention anything
about a Dealer's "base pay" or their "working
conditions" or "promotions" in your feedback. So we will
bring these concerns up during or at the conclusion of our response to your
feedback.
The reader writes, "To all dealers - don't let the outspoken few
sway your decision..." Oh, do you mean like the Vice-President of
Casino Operations? Or maybe the head of Human Resources? THAT my friends is
the "FEW" who are MAKING our decisions for all 500+ of us. TWO
people who's income is NOT dependant on YOUR tokes. Why should they be the
ones who decide on YOUR toke policies?
The reader writes, "I can tell you this from experience...",
please inform us of your experience. What Union were you in? When? Where?
Please back up that statement.
The Reader writes, "...the union protects the weak and undesirable
in a lot of cases." A Union does do their best to protect all of
their members, that's part of the benefits. We are not sure what you mean
when you use the term "weak", but a motto of the U.S. of
America is "Give us your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning
to breathe free...". Are you anti-American? "Undesirables..."?
Can you define that? Do you mean those who do not fit your "mold"
of a good-looking or young employee? We see "undesirables" on the
street corners begging for money. Are they also dealing at Caesars Palace as
well? Haven't seen them. However, since Harrah's has taken over we have seen
a significant increase in "undesirable" customers. Shootings?
Where? Chips stolen? HUH? What, walking about the casino with no shirt or
shoes on? NONE of that was ever allowed at Caesars Palace before Harrah's.
Oh yes, we forget, "the times have changed".
Next the reader writes, "...remember that cocktail waitress you
mentioned got to come back to work with her long paper trail?" We
all know exactly who the cocktail waitress is, and let's face it, she is no
longer a raving beauty as she once was when she was first employed by
Caesars Palace. Many in authority have a problem with that. They also have a
problem with her age. We hear it from them in their rude jokes about her
behind her back all the time. What are they saying about YOU behind your
back. We wonder, is that why she has a paper trail? Because they just want
to get rid of her because they don't like the way she looks now? Because she
has aged and is no longer the raving beauty she once was? Listening to all
of their comments about her, that is a very good assumption. So, is that
fair of them? Once you no longer posses your "outer beauty" you
will be discarded? That is the picture they paint. Shall we go into the
"details" of her recent suspension? Yes, we will. She was
suspended because when serving the customer she brought him a drink with
"no ice" in it (some days he wants ice, some days he doesn't, so
she went with how his last drink was served). He went ballistic on her.
Called her "unprofessional" and actually brought her to tears with
his raving. Imagine that, a "hardened" cocktail waitress brought
to tears. Must have been some chewing out he gave her huh? Now we ask you,
is that reason for suspension? We would say that would be reason for
"86ing" the customer, not the dedicated employee. The rest of her
"paper trail"? Well, if the last "offense" is any
indication of her prior offenses, then that just drives home the fact that
we DO need a Union. But wait, you say she was overheard uttering something
as well? And that is what got her suspended? If that's the case then they
better suspend EVERY floor-person because they ALL utter comments about
"undesirable" patrons.
The Reader writes, "Think about that dealer that doesn't do his/her
job, is a nuisance to the rest of you, or harasses you." If an
employee does not do their job, no Union will save them. Get rid of them, we
don't want them either. Just because you are a member of a Union does not
give you the right to not do your job. Let's bring up cocktail waitresses
again on this point. It is in their contract that they are not required to
carry more than six drinks at a time. How many girls have you seen carrying
not only a full tray, but a six-pack in the other hand? But hey, they are in
a Union and have an outlined limitation on what they can carry, BUT they
still carry more than that! They are going above and beyond what is required
of them. And yes, you can site the ones who carry just two drinks, but maybe
that is all that was ordered when they made their rounds. Should they make
the customers wait until they get a "full tray"?
.
The next part is laughable and actually a bit egotistical when the reader
writes, "...is a nuisance to the rest of you..." We see a
fly as a nuisance. People have different personalities and also have
problems in life. We all fit that mold. We are all human. But because we
don't get along with someone today for whatever the reason they can become a
"nuisance". Should they be "terminated" because someone
doesn't get along with them, and that someone is in management? How vain!
Maybe we should consider this readers feedback as being a
"nuisance"?
Then the reader writes (dang so much from ONE sentence, we will be here all
day), "...or harasses you." Harassment is an offense that
will be met with termination. Report it. A Union makes it difficult to be
"harassed", especially by management, which many within can/like
to do. The reader is just giving us reasons WHY to join a Union. The Union
will NOT stand up for "harassment". We think the reader must be
confused.
The reader writes, "Hospital tokes...only those people constantly on
LOA or abusing FMLA really benefit from this. Why should you money pay for
these people? In theory, it's a great idea. Unfortunately, there are many
dealers who abuse the LOA system." Evidently you have no clue how
"Hospital Tokes" work/worked. "Hospital Tokes" are
self-defined. A Dealer MUST BE an "in-patient" to receive
"Hospital Tokes" (this reader is so confused, but we will continue
on with the tedium of responding to help them out). So, when the reader
writes, "...only those people constantly on LOA or abusing FMLA
really benefit from this.", nothing could be more inaccurate. Get
your "facts" straight please before you continue to try to
misinform everyone with your contorted views. Also, we assume that the
reader probably feels that anyone who has an FMLA is an "abuser".
The reader writes, "In theory, it's a great idea." Actually,
it was NOT a theory, but was used for decades by the Dealers (until Harrah's
decided they would decide how we distribute our tokes for us) and it worked
out great. You must not have been here to actually see how they worked,
because you are really clueless. "Unfortunately, there are many
dealers who abuse the LOA system." Unfortunately, ANYONE (but
favored friends) who uses an LOA or FMLA is seen by management, and this
person writing in (unless they needed it of course), as an
"abuser". Management really likes to "label" people.
Just goes to show how cold and callous they are. If it were not for FEDERAL
LAWS, nobody would be afforded any time off except to sleep. Thanks to
the Unions we have week-ends and a 40-hour work week, not management.
The more we read this post, the more we realize the reason this reader never
identified themselves as a "Dealer" or any other class is because
our friends, this is "Union Busting". Keep it coming, because we
will just invalidate all of what you have to say. Shall we name a few firms
that may be "helping" Harrah's because they are not capable to try
to do it themselves? The beauty of the internet!
The reader writes, "That guy who was fired after calling out one
day...think about it. You can't get fired for missing one day of work.
Obviously he had an attendance problem to begin with and that's why he was
fired." Funny, we can't find ANY reference on this website to a
situation described like that. Thank you for confirming who you are with
that statement. You are in fact either management or a "hired"
Union Buster. Who else would have made reference to something that hasn't
been said? And they are paying you? Wow, talk about ripping off the company!
And by the way, we don't "call out", we "call
in". Maybe you better become more versed in our terminology before you
lose your job for doing such bad work. A friendly warning.
The reader writes, "Insurance issues...maybe if people took better
care of themselves, insurance premiums would not continue to rise."
Oh, we understand. The human body can be invincible "if people took
better care of themselves" Are you trying to say we don't take care
of ourselves now? You really have a poor opinion of Dealers don't you? The
human body is a biological machine that deteriorates with age. Can you
suggest where we may find the "fountain of youth"? You must have
never eaten in Cleo's and had to rush to the bathroom 20 minutes after you
ate what THEY served. That's what we get. Maybe management should take
better care of us? How healthy is it having to be subjected to
second-hand-smoke all night on our games? The smoke that is emanating from
the FREE tobacco products our employer PROVIDES the customers to pollute our
air? MAYBE management should take better care of us? How healthy is it when
we are required to stand in a 2'x1' patch of concrete all night long, with
no pads under our feet to support us, while all the time bending over at the
waist and reaching out? MAYBE management should take better care of us?! How
healthy is it when we are subjected to customers coughing and sneezing in
our faces for eight hours a day? How healthy is it that when we are sick we
must report to work and pass it on to our fellow workers, or otherwise take
"points" and be reprimanded for getting sick from the poor
environment management provides us?
You write, "My mother works in a union position...her benefits have
changed over the years too and more comes out of her pocket every
year." Going to bring your mother into this? Okay, you opened the
door, not us. We bet you mother gets pay raises as well, thanks to her
Union, that helps to offset the the money that comes out of her pocket for
the rising cost of health care. Thank you for substantiating more reasons
WHY we need a Union! We find it appalling that any child who was raised
by a hard-working mother, a mother who cared for you while you were sick,
took you to the doctor, changed your diapers, paid your way through school,
clothed you, fed you and raised you, that you would defy what she believes
in. She must be ashamed of you and your efforts to try to thwart what she
believes in. Your own mother believes in a Union, the very same thing which
you are trying to tear down. The very same thing that provided for you as a
child! How dare you! You are some piece of work!
The reader writes, "Maternity leave...you cite the difference
between union and non-union maternity leave and in another breath you fight
for tokes while someone is on LOA. Do you plan on fighting for a mother to
get tokes while on a 1 year maternity leave? Is that exactly fair?"
First of all, as we clarified to you above (if you have the ability to
actually comprehend things correctly), we are not fighting for tokes for
someone on a LOA. Please show us where we have said that. "Do you
plan on fighting for a mother to get tokes while on a 1 year maternity
leave? Is that exactly fair?" First of all, non-union workers get 6
months maternity leave (provided for by Law), not one year. Union employees
get one year. Is that "fair"? Sounds like blatant discrimination
to us. Secondly, YES we will fight to regain "control" over our
tokes and to keep management's hands out of them. Third, it will be up to
the Dealers, by a majority vote, to determine who qualifies for tokes.
Fourth, yes, we will fight to pay the new mother tokes while she is an
"inpatient" at a hospital if the Dealers continue to want
"hospital tokes". Fifth, we will also recognize not only the
rights of a new mother, but those of a new "father" as well. THAT
is equality! THAT is "fair".
The reader writes, "Toke issues...you cite how management has their
hands in your tokes. Management is protecting many of the workers who are
tired of hearing the outspoken few fight for what benefits them personally
and not the group as a whole." You really prove here that you are
on the "outside" looking in. I guess we all have to earn a living
somehow, and it seems you make a living by trying to twist and contort
facts. Now there's a job with high morality! Anyway, you write, "Toke
issues...you cite how management has their hands in your tokes."
And they do, just as Steve Wynn does. You write, "Management is
protecting many of the workers who are tired of hearing the outspoken few
fight for what benefits them personally and not the group as a whole."
So, we are looked at like children by management and we need them to look
after our money for us? What a slap in the face that is. We don't want or
need management to help us with those items. Again, we will point out that
the Dealers "by-laws" are not the results of "the
outspoken few" but are what the MAJORITY of the Dealers voted on.
Again, we point out your misconception of who the " few"
really is, it is the VP of Casino Ops and the Head of HR. TWO PEOPLE! Should
we bow down to what they want us to do with our tokes and forget what the
MAJORITY of the Dealers want and have voted on? You write, "Management
is protecting many of the workers..." Is that what Steve Wynn is
doing? Protecting his supervisors? Is he protecting his Dealers? Mr. Wynn
has illustrated how management can protect the workers. We don't want or
need that kind of protection. You continue by saying, "...workers
who are tired of hearing the outspoken few fight for what benefits them
personally and not the group as a whole." which clues us in to
who/what you are. First of all, the "toke by-laws" are petitioned
for and voted on by ALL Dealers at Caesars Palace. That is NOT "the
outspoken few" as you have so labeled every Dealer at Caesars
Palace. To get a "toke by-law" instituted the issue must first
pass the petition process, which is the gathering of the
"majority" of signatures from one shift. Once that process is
completed, then the "issue" is put up for a vote by ALL DEALERS
and must pass by a "majority" vote. Once that has been done, the
"issue" is now considered a "by-law". THAT is NOT the
"outspoken few"! That is the MAJORITY! Where in any policy
set by management is that process followed? Then you say, "How is
it fair to force people to give up their tokes for something they many not
support?" There is a solution to that. If someone does NOT want to
participate in "Hospital Tokes" of "Death Benefit Tokes
(which you never even brought up), they could have the option NOT to participate.
Our toke cut is figured up on computers and it would be a very simple
process to give those who did not want to participate their share of tokes
BEFORE any tokes were taken out for anyone receiving "Hospital or Death
Benefit Tokes". Simple.
The reader writes, "Toke sharing...you try to scare people by saying
that Harrah's might start giving your tokes to the supervisors. Obviously
that didn't work out well for the Wynn...do you really think Harrah's would
follow a failed plan?" You know, your lack of knowledge is really
getting tiring. YOU are trying to be the "outspoken few".
But, because we believe in what is RIGHT, we will continue to show you your
errors in judgment. You write, "...you try to scare people..."
No, that is Steve Wynn who has accomplished that, we are just pointing out
the F-A-C-T-S. You continue to write "Obviously that didn't work out
well for the Wynn...do you really think Harrah's would follow a failed plan?"
Wow! So tell us, has Mr. Wynn's plan failed? Are the supervisors at The Wynn
still receiving tokes? Yes they are! Is that "failure" in the
corporate eyes? Sounds pretty successful to us. Which court has ruled that
Wynn has acted wrongly? We are waiting for your answer. Oh, none have? So,
IF the Nevada Supreme Court upholds Mr. Wynn's actions, then you don't think
the profit-hungry corporations will not follow suit? Think of the millions
they can save by not paying full wages to the floor! I guess you don't pay
attention to the quarterly reports and the statements Harrah's makes about
having to appease their share-holders huh? You can take it to the bank, if
the Nevada State Supreme Court upholds all the lower courts decisions, that
as soon as their gavel drops every corporation in the State of Nevada will
be confiscating workers tips to distribute amongst every tip-earning
employee in their business. Not only will they confiscate the Dealers tips,
but they will take every worker's tips who is not covered by a Collective Bargaining
Agreement and throw it all into one large pool to be divided by every
employee who "services" a customer. Do you really think we are
idiots? Should we "gamble" with our futures like that? That is
EXACTLY what management wants us to do! They want us to take the "wait
and see" approach, so they can swoop down on us like vultures. OPEN
YOUR EYES! Then you say, "...yet they
are making less than the hourly employees they supervise." So, is it
the responsibility of the "lower hourly" employee to supplement
the salary of a "higher salaried" employee? We believe that is the
responsibility of those who are paying those employees salaries, not the responsibility
of other employees. And tell us, what if our tokes dropped to a level equal
or below what a supervisor gets paid? Would we be still required to supplement
their "salary" while we are in effect taking a loss? Remember,
there is NO GUARANTEE what tokes will be, that is up to the customers, NOT
our employer.
The Reader writes, "However, your supervisors do work right beside
you and bear more liability in decision making..." Again, this statement
shows your lack of knowledge (or your refusal to acknowledge facts). Our
supervisors are assigned up to SIX games at one time. They are NOT "right
beside you". They have their heads buried in a computer terminal
screen doing ratings on a $15 player. They don't even make "fills"
on their own and must be told by Dealers most of the time when the Dealer
needs a fill! Most of the time they have to repeatedly ask the Dealer,
"How much were they in? What was their average bet? How much did they
walk with?". Then you go on by saying, "bear more liability in
decision making..." Nothing could be more inaccurate! It is the
Dealer who is making change, making payouts, coloring up, making the decisions
on the outcome of each hand, NOT our supervisors who can only watch one game
at a time, when they have time. So, when a Dealer makes a mistake, chances
are the supervisor doesn't even know about it. Who is liable? Lets do some
math for the fun of it. Let's say a Dealer has a full table for an entire
weeks work on a black-jack table. Keeping up so far? Okay. Now, let's say
the dealer gets out two-hands-per-minute. That is 120 hands-per-hour. Got it
so far? Okay. Each hand consists of SIX decisions, the five players hands
and the Dealers hands. Following? So, that is 720 decisions-per-hour. The
Dealer deals a total of 6.5 hours in their shift, for a total of 4680
decisions in one shift. Math to hard? Now, the Dealer works 5 days for a
total of 23,400 decisions in one week. Tell us, what supervisor makes that
many decisions in a week? Name one. Let's also throw in all the buy ins and
cash outs. So what, maybe 25,000 decisions in one week? Talk about
liability! Shall we toss in an average "financial" decision as
well? What, $25 per-decision maybe? That is $585,000 per-week in decisions
made by a Dealer. And they pay a 20+ year Dealer $7.15 per hour for that
many financial decisions in one week. Now that's "respect". Yet We
still have to tell the supervisors multiple times, how much they are in,
what their average bet is, how much they walked with, when to make fills.
Sorry, they do NOT deserve any of our tips!
The reader writes, "Just as bussers who assist servers get some
tips..." Yes, a busser gets part of the tokes but the restaurant
manager doesn't (at least not yet) and the busser always makes less in
wages. If he wanted to wait tables then he should have applied as a server
and if you want to deal... well you know the answer. Our supervisors do NOT
assist us in the performance of the game. They do not shuffle, deliver
cards, straighten the rack, drop cash, drop paperwork or pay/take wagers.
And many times, when a customer is losing they become angry and our
supervisors walk away from the game. That is NOT assistance. Also, because
WE "assist" the supervisors, as the "busser" assists the
higher salaried/waged waitress, then maybe our supervisors should share with
US? Sorry, but you logic just doesn't pan out.
The reader writes, "There are several ways to see every issue."
We agree. However, when there are F-A-C-T-S, they can not be ignored. They
can be twisted and contorted, as this person submitting the feedback has
attempted to do. But we think we have now shown them the side of the
"Majority".
The reader writes, "My position is one which could unionize, but I
tell you that I would never do it." What? Talk about contradicting
yourself in the same breathe (as you tried to imply we have done earlier)!
The reader concludes by writing, "Please look at the issues
presented and think of how it applies to you and if it is really an issue
for you. This is a major decision." We couldn't agree more!
As you can all see, this is an example of what management and the Union
Busters will say. But as you can also see by our response (and they will not
give us chance to respond like this at their mandatory meetings, because
they will fail if they do), they have twisted the facts. They have supplied
inaccurate information. They have bent the facts. They also failed to write
about our wages or our working conditions. Those are major points of
interest don't you think? Why did they evade those issues? Because they can
not twist such clear-cut facts is why.
The decision is yours and yours alone. We have presented as much information
as possible, from BOTH sides of the fence.
We look forward to this reader's, or another who is confused, future
feedbacks so we may attempt to clear things up in a more factual and
complete presentation than what they have provided.
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 #88) From a Dealer 9-19-07:
I hope that everyone shows up at the meeting on Thursday
9/20. I am going to be there. I have been a dealer for many years, and I never
thought that dealers needed a union, until the last few years, whenever a
player or anyone else would ask me if dealers were union, I would always say
no, we don't need one. My views have changed on that immensely. Mostly in
regards to the fact that we no longer have say about our tokes, Steve Wynn
showed me that. The Wynn dealers never thought it could happen to them, and
when it did, it happened really fast. I think Wynn's move, left them in shock
and confused and when they went to check the laws on that, they found there
really weren't any, and the ones they found, Wynn had already found a way
around. By the time the Wynn dealers tried to stop him, it was done. Now they
are left in a battle of trying to get that money back and I think most
casinos, management and dealers are waiting to see what is going to happen. I
hope they get every red cent back and more, its there money and he had no
right to touch it ever. No casino owner or management has the right to tell
the dealers what they can and cannot do with there own money. The point is, is
that any one of these casinos can take our tokes at any moment. It has been
done, the only way to safeguard our money and our jobs is with a union. I hope
you all heed the warning. If you think I'm chicken little...look at the Wynn,
look at our bereavement tokes, look at our hospital tokes, look at the shares
we pay to teach others to deal. Did one dealer have a say in any of that? Tell
me what rights you have? And I bet you can't think of one. You could be fired
tomorrow, you could have your scheduled changed, your shift changed, your
benefits changed, your 401 taken away, they can make you floor or dual-rate,
and even your tokes taken. But...oh yeah, the boss likes you, I forgot.
Business is business. Hopefully I will see you on 9/20 and we can stand
together for basic, human, work conditions.
RESPONSE:
Yes, we too have seen the "light". Nevada State
Assemblyman Bob Beers will also be at the 1pm meeting. We have also been told
there will e Wynn Dealers at the meetings. Let's make a show of strength and
solidarity!
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 #87) From a Wynn Dealer 9-19-07:
hey guys and gals,
Wynn dealer again. Just wanted to let you know I will be there at your meeting
tomorrow to support you. I think a few Wynn dealers will be there. I have to
work during the day but look forward to meeting a few of you at the 8:30p.m.
meeting.
There are a lot of things that you will learn at this meeting and it is all of
your best interests to attend. There are going to be a lot of great things you
are going to learn about the TWU. They are stronger than we ever thought and
their ideas are going to blow you away. I know they did me. Hope to see you
there!!!!
RESPONSE:
We look forward to meeting you!
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 #86) From a Wynn Dealer 9-17-07:
As a former Caesars dealer and a current Wynn dealer I am
troubled by some of what I am reading on this site.
There seem to be a few distinct groups within Caesars, specifically the PCD, the
Pussycat dealers and the regular dealers.
People if you are to be successful and get a union this must stop. Everyone in
those groups must take a look at their paychecks and they will notice that they
all say "Caesars." There is no difference.
What? The PCD think they are better than everyone else. They are not. The only
thing different about them is geography! They deal in a different part of the
casino. That is all!
Also, they should remember that they can be removed from there just as they were
put in there. They have no claim to that place. They have no contract to deal in
the PC.
And the Pussycat dealers are in the same boat. The just deal in a different pit.
It is important that everyone realize this or you will fail. You all work for
the same company under the same conditions.
Finally, let me tell you why I left Caesars and went to Wynn. Harrah's has the
reputation of "cutting to the bone." The just cut, cut and then cut
some more. And then when they get to the bone they extract some marrow. Someone
has to pay for all of those big, fat bonuses.
The only thing for sure is that you will be the ones getting cut. Do you think
that Loveman had anything even remotely relating to his benefits cut? Do you
think he took a pay cut or his break room is not cleaned? Do you think he gives
up his parking spot?
NO! NO! and NO!
Stand united or you will surely die apart!
RESPONSE:
When the Reader writes, "There seem to be a few distinct
groups within Caesars, specifically the PCD, the Pussycat dealers and the
regular dealers." Unfortunately this may be somewhat true. It is NOT
how we want it though. We can't speak for the PCD Dealers, but for the most part
the Dealers at Caesars Palace WANT to include them into our fold.
What everyone must understand is this, at Caesars Palace the
Dealers have had "toke by-laws" in place for 40+ years (not saying the
rules are that old, they have been updated throughout the course of time). We
want to be able to enforce those rules without management's interference. We
want to maintain control over our tokes just as we have always done until
Harrah's took over and started telling us what to do with our tokes. Every
Dealer throughout the history of Caesars Palace has had to abide by these
"by-laws", again, until Harrah's took over. There is a procedure set
to have the by-laws changed by the Dealers. The by-laws are fair for
everyone.
What created the "division" if you will, between the
PCD Dealers and the "regular" Dealers was management's interference
with our by-laws pertaining to how the PCD Dealers were paid. The PCD Dealers
are new to Caesars Palace and were not aware of our set by-laws. They were hired
by Caesars Palace and assumed that they were being treated just like any other
Dealer at Caesars Palace. They were not aware of management's interference with
our tokes. We are sure that if management would not have interfered with our
by-laws regarding tokes, that the PCD Dealers would have readily accepted those
same by-laws as has every other Dealer who first arrived at Caesars Palace. So,
as a result, the PCD Dealers have been innocently "put in the middle"
of something they had nothing to do with.
The "veteran" Dealers at Caesars Palace have MUCH
they can teach the PCD Dealers about the gaming business and would love the
opportunity. In the end, it would benefit each and every one of us. Every
"field" has "master technicians", including Dealing. We
should all open up to each other and realize we are in the same boat. So, PCD
Dealers, instead of sitting within your group of PCD Dealers on break, go sit
with a "regular" Dealer. Join us and you will find when you do it
over and over again we will become one. If a PCD Dealer is seeking advice
about something on a game, ask a veteran dealer, they will be more than happy
to help you if you just ask. Also, the "regular" dealers must take
the same actions, go join the PCD Dealers on your break. Talk to them, listen
to them.
We recall a "feedback" from a Dealer who made
reference to "retiring in 20 years". If the average age of a PCD
Dealer is say 24, think about this. You have started your dealing career at the
top, there is nowhere to go but down (yes there are a few casinos now that are
on par with Caesars Palace, but they are all still the top). So chances are if
you are going to stay in the casino business you will remain at Caesars Palace
for your entire career. Okay, with that said, you retire at say 65. That is
FORTY-ONE YEARS at Caesars Palace! Grab hold of that! 41-YEARS! See the
"old" Dealers? That will be you. YOU will become the "veteran
Dealers". Learn what you can from the "masters" to make your trip
easier, then one day you will be considered the "master" and others
will be looking to you for advice. Secure your future now while you have the
chance. Stand with us. Or as the readers writes, "Stand
united or you will surely die apart!"
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 #85) From a Caesars Palace Employee 9-17-07:
I truly applaud all dealers at Caesars however, the slot
ambassadors at Caesars are suffering as well. Points for everything imaginable,
clocking in & out for lunch, as well as having to clock to use the restrooms
how degrading is that? Test Test Test every month theirs a new test and you must
pass. time to enroll at CSN for studying 101. All this leads to information put
in your file and possible termination. Truthfully this dept needs help also.
Please post some feedback so myself and others in the dept can pursue a UNION.
RESPONSE:
When the reader writes, "Points for everything imaginable..."
you have no "Outline of Offenses" which lists all "offenses"
that can result in receiving "points" either? We feel you pain there.
When the reader writes, "...clocking in & out for
lunch, as well as having to clock to use the restrooms how degrading is
that?" and Dealers are always heard saying, "What else can they do
to us?". There you go!
"Please post some feedback so myself and others in the
dept can pursue a UNION." The cards of the TWU International
Organizers are linked on the home page of this website. Give them a call and
see what they say.
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 #84) From a Dual-Rate 9-16-07:
Though I support the idea of the union, I am somewhat turned
off bye the chicken little "the sky is falling" routine. I have
already sent in my card and I guarantee that if we do organize, you will see me
running for a position within the union. You have done a fabulous job on
alienating many of the PCD, and there are so many inaccuracies, from John
Edwards, to a cocktail waitress returning back with pay, that I find it
insulting. Let's not bash management for lying, then ourselves, do the same. We
can garner great support, without the lies. I want to be able to stand and say
we organized with honor, not through under handed tactics. Anyway, I am off my
soap box; dealers, we can make this work, so sign your cards.
RESPONSE:
We understand when the reader writes, "...I am
somewhat turned off bye the chicken little "the sky is falling"
routine." and we would prefer that everyone understand the importance
of being organized without having to point out all the terrible possibilities
that may exist. Many times on this website what it means to be organized is
talked about. And yes, many times it is also pointed out what dire
possibilities exist. It sometimes takes different things to get different
peoples attention. What some don't like or think is necessary, others do like
and need.
When the reader writes, "I have already sent in my
card and I guarantee that if we do organize, you will see me running for a
position within the union." Why wait? Join us now. They also make a
point that when we do win an election that anyone can run for position.
Positions are NOT assigned to anyone. As for right now, it is a group of
Dealers at Caesars Palace working for you all. Until you join us, please
appreciate what WE are trying to accomplish for YOU.
The reader writes, "You have done a fabulous job on
alienating many of the PCD..." Well, we have refrained as much as
possible to talk about the policies MANAGEMENT has implemented. We also have
put on here what the readers have sent in as Feedback, without editing (except
names), and responded. Should we not post what they are writing in about?
Should we censure? The PCD Dealers are NOT picked on personally by
anyone we don't believe. However, the policies MANAGEMENT has implemented have
been. Also, as far as the alienation of the PCD Dealers, have you stopped to
think maybe management is more responsible than we are when they tell them to
"stay away" (told to us by PCD Dealers themselves, in person) from
the veteran Dealers while they are training them? One last point, the PCD Dealers
have just as equal of an opportunity to submit feedback, as did you, yet we
have received only two feedbacks from anyone identifying themselves as a PCD
Dealer. They even have their own "Feedback Page" and also an
"Issue Page" and also enjoy the same anonymity as you, but are not
submitting anything still. They can stand up as well, nobody is stopping them,
except maybe management.
When the reader writes, "...and there are so many
inaccuracies, from John Edwards, to a cocktail waitress returning back with
pay..." well, if what has said has been inaccurate, take it up with
those two people, because they are our source of information. The cocktail
waitress was reinstated and DID receive back-pay and John Edwards was fired
because of a drunk customer's complaint. Ask them both to clarify yourself. We
are not the ones "lying", if anyone is, we are just the messenger.
Want to shoot us?
We are glad that you have sent in an Authorization Card. We
hope that you can become more involved than what you are as of now as well.
With greater numbers we conceive the greatest of ideas and power. We welcome
you, your ideas, your thoughts and your assistance.
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 #83) From a Dice Dealer 9-16-07:
Has anyone read the article in the R-J about the horrendous
things Columbia-Sussex is trying to do at the Tropicana? I loved the quote by
the culinary union " This is just another out of state company trying to
ruin the Las Vegas dream." Look at all the things Harrah's has taken from
us on property, our break room is filthy and never stocked, the budget in the
E.D.R is down to nothing ex. ex. ex. The only thing they have done is to hire an
extra person in scheduling so they can find meaningless "point
violations" and squeeze out every last second from every person without
paying for it. We as a group must come to the reality of our situation. We are
worthless in the eyes of Harrah's upper management. If these little things are
so important to them big things are next. Do you really think they will leave
our tokes or our jobs alone? Bonuses is all that is important to upper
management, lives ruined and morality do not count. This is a sad contrast for
those of us who know the true foundation and culture of Caesars Palace that
which was one of dignity and respect. The scary thing is that Harrah's is only
paving the way for The Apollo Group which has a harsher reputation than
Columbia-Sussex and will ruin our dreams. No matter who you are, you are on this
battlefield, unite or be slaughtered.
RESPONSE:
What more can we say?
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 #82) From a Full-Time Dealer 9-15-07:
Today there was literature left in the ladies room about the
meeting and also some TWU forms. I know some people actually finally picked one
up....but then...I saw a dealer walking with L.. J.... and L.. had one of the
flyers in her hand. I don't know if this particular dealer made her aware of the
flyers but it was (edited)...don't know her last name. It is amazing to me that
some don't understand that we are trying to protect ourselves (all dealers) and
the future generations that come into our industry. Also, some of the guys need
to put some literature in the men's room ....Thanks guys and gals...
RESPONSE:
Thanks for the Feedback! FYI, we edited out the name of the
Dealer mentioned in the post (as we always will) and also semi-edited the
supervisors name (who we will refer to as "LJ" from here on out). When
submitting Feedback to us, please feel free to use names so we know who you are
talking about. We will handle all names like we have in this and previous posts.
We are happy to hear the literature on the meeting is hitting
the lounge. Spread the word about the Meeting! It has been brought to our
attention there is no "Meeting Room Name or Number" mentioned anywhere
yet. We will inform everyone on the Website as to the room location as soon as
we find out ourselves. However, when you enter the lobby of the Alexis Park
there will be a board listing all meetings and their locations. There is also an
information desk in the lobby who should have the answer.
WOW! When the reader writes, "...and L.. had one of the
flyers in her hand.", maybe she was passing them out for us? Maybe she
was making sure everyone was aware of the Union Meeting? And to think, we
thought she was on "their" side! Thanks LJ, we know your husband, who
is a Dealer on Swing, will appreciate your backing/promotion of the Union. ;)
The reader writes, "It is amazing to me that some don't
understand that we are trying to protect ourselves (all dealers) and the future
generations that come into our industry." What is more amazing is there
are people who don't want us or the future generations to have that protection!
Some are even Dealers, which is completely mind-blowing!
We'll see what we can do about the literature being made more
available. Pass the word to EVERY Dealer about the Meeting.
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 #81) From a Swing Shift Dealer 9-15-07:
I was told by a swing shift floor person that this website
was not being run by dealers but by the company trying to monitor things.
And to be careful what we do.
It does not seem like this to me but I wanted to let everyone know this is going
on.
I am sure we were not the only dealers being told this.
RESPONSE:
First of all, thanks for the "heads up" on the
"rumor" certain floor-people are trying to spread. We heard it before
and know who the source is/was, but will not "post" their names.
However, their names just may be "spread" in the grapevine at work ;)
We too can "talk" at work. Remember that all of you supervisors who
may think it would be fun to spread lies.
Now, we ask, does that floor-person really think they are going
to get "ahead" by spreading such a rumor? Doesn't that floor-person
realize what the Union is going to do for them? We will briefly tell you here,
the Union will ultimately get the floor contracts too! >>> click
here <<< for details on how that can work. But, if they prefer
to kiss ass to go nowhere but the washroom to wash the filth from their face afterwards,
that's their choice.
Now, on to "debunking" this ridiculous rumor:
First of all, the TWU would own Caesars Palace after they were
through with all of the lawsuits they would file against Harrah's for such a
blatant disrespect for the Labor Laws. It is ILLEGAL for CP/Harrah's to resort
to any tactic like this, ESPECIALLY collecting Authorization Cards in the name
of a 70-year-old labor Union who is a member of the AFL-CIO! Plain and simple.
Secondly, we have linked the business cards of the TWU
Organizers here on the website: Joe
Carbon and Steve
Roberts further proving this is NOT a website created by management.
Next, do you think that management really wants to
"bash" themselves and try to create employee unrest just to see who
responds? That wouldn't be "upbeat and positive" now would it? Does
anyone really believe they would link to Labor Laws, inform everyone of the
"Spotter
Law", link to the AC Unions, promote the TWU and The Wynn Dealers,
so on and so forth? NO WAY!
What this rumor is attempting to do is fuel fear. That is/has
been their main weapon against all of us for decades. Fear.
As we have already posted here once, a Great President once
said,
"All we have to fear is fear itself". We have
NOTHING to fear friends.
IT IS OUR LEGAL RIGHT TO
ORGANIZE >>> CLICK
HERE <<< to read our
Federal Legal Rights.
If you hear this rumor the reader writes about, please put it to
rest. Tell the floor-person you heard that rumor from, or any in the future,
that we think they are an idiot for attempting to spread such a stupid rumor. It
just goes to show us all how dumb they think Dealers are. Talk about disrespect
for us all, that is what they are demonstrating by saying things like that!
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 #80) From a Wynn Dealer 9-15-07:
Hey CP dealers... Wynn dealer here. First off I urge as many
as possible of you to go to your meeting on the 20th with the TWU at Alexis
Park. Why, because that is the time to get the answers to any questions you may
have. I was put at great ease when I went to ours, pre-union vote. It is
important for you to inform yourselves as to what this opportunity means to you
so as that when you hear false silly rumors, you will rest assure and know what
and what not to believe. Also speaking of rumors, yes, these past days at Wynn,
it seems that team-leads are being fitted for dealers uniforms. Why? All is just
speculation. There is a fact that everyone should be made aware of, however.
Attorneys on behalf of Wynn dealers filed complaints with the Labor Commission
on Wednesday, the 12th of September. One was "illegal confiscation of
tips" and the other was "proof of loss of wages in this past year
since the new tip policy". We have the union, and there are limited moves
that Wynn can do toward the dealers.
RESPONSE:
Hello, and welcome to our site! We agree when you comment on
the Meeting on the 20th by saying, "because that is the time to get
the answers to any questions you may have." We know many of you have
many questions and this will be the time to ask them. Don't just speculate,
get some real answers. If you do not attend, then whatever you may have to say
against a Union has no weight. Come, substantiate your feelings, be they good
or bad. Get some answers to the questions we know you have.
You won't be pressured to sign an Authorization Card, but they
will be there and available to you if you would like to pick some up for
yourself and your friends. I am sure the Union Reps would be proud of anyone
of you who wants to fill out and turn one in there. Print one out and fill it
in before you come, then slip it to the Reps before you leave if you would
like.
Go back to work with some real answers to pass along to your
fellow co-workers who maybe couldn't make it. We know this, if we hear anyone
passing along an opinion about the Union, yet they didn't attend the meeting,
then what is that opinion, good or bad, really worth?
Just because you attend the Meeting will not "brand"
you one way or the other.
Come, ask your questions, make them hard ones. Get answers.
But remember this, the Union is US! The Organizers can do nothing for you
until you do for yourself. Don't expect them to hand you a contract at the
Meeting which has been signed by Caesars Palace. Ask them about the
"cash" they have spent on this so far and ask them how they plan on
supporting us in the future. Keep in mind, the money they have already spent
and are going to spend in the future, is money that you did not give to them.
It is money the workers of TWU have given to us so we may organize.
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 #79) From a 21 Dealer 9-14-07:
I'm so proud to be a Caesars Palace Dealer! I deal most
every game under their roof with top-notch proficiency. I have been at Caesars
for over 20 years now.
They take such good care of me. They pay me $7.25 an hour
after my 20+ years.
They take such good care of me they no longer give us
Cartier watches for our anniversaries, instead I get to pick from a pair of
binoculars to use while looking at who knows what. This way if I am mugged,
the thief will not go for my watch.
They take such good care of me that they remind me that I
must smile, even while I am smiling.
They take such good care of me that while I am having a
great time with my customers that they interrupt my game by reaching across us
in the middle of a hand to try to get in on the fun.
They take such great care of me, they have cancelled the
employee football contest so I don't feel bad if I don't win it.
They take such good care of me they provide me with health
insurance with premiums higher than I have ever paid in my entire life.
They take such good care of me that my insurance is a 50/50
co-pay for the first $2000 of medical costs.
They take such good care of me that they reduced the
company match on my 401K in case I find myself having to use it before
retirement to pay my bills, so I won't have to pay so much in penalties for
early withdrawal.
They take such good care of me they make sure I don't clock
in before :53 before the hour, and if I do, they make sure they notify me with
a warning slip slipped into my file.
They take such good care of me they sometimes forget to
staff someone in my lounge to clean up any messes so I can feel so much more
like a company man when I clean up after everyone else.
They take such good care of me that they reduced the number
of porters so I can have my supervisor empty the ashtrays, making it look like
to my customers that I have some power over the suit watching me.
They take such good care of me that they have decided that
the Dealer's 40-year-old toke policy to pay me tokes while I am laid up in the
hospital is no longer needed (this way I can use my 401K to survive and pay
less in penalties as listed above).
They take such good care of me that they also decided they
would not allow Dealers to pay Death Benefit tokes to my family after I die
from contracting cancer on their tables from the customers who they gave free cigarettes
to to blow into my face.
They take such good care of me that they determine who gets
a piece of the tokes that I make and how much they get, ensuring I don't have
more money then I know what to do with.
They take such good care of me that they let me launder my
own uniforms to ensure they are clean instead of having them
professionally laundered for me like the Union employees get.
They take such good care of me that they open the employee
parking gates on weekends when there are events to make sure my customers can
get my parking spot before I do.
They take such good care of me that I get about 10 minutes
to eat my entire meal and get stomach cramps, and have to return to my game
with food in my teeth to show my customers that yes, they do feed me.
They take such good care of me that they make sure I get to
stand on concrete all night long instead of giving me a soft pad under my feet
which I may fall off of.
They take such good care of me that they make sure no
customer may give me gifts to make sure there are no jealousies amongst the
Dealers.
They take such good care of me that at our pre-school buzz
session they make sure I know they just had a record profit, but my CSA scores
are to low to get any kind of compensation.
Ahhhh yes, I am so proud to be a Caesars Palace Dealer.
Why? Because I am going to be joining a Union is why!
RESPONSE:
We join you in your "ultimate pride"!
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 #78) From a Wynn Dealer 9-14-07:
It is true that the floor supervisors were taken into the
office on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. They were asked to rate how they dealt
all the games. And then they were sent down to be fitted with ONE
uniform.
RESPONSE:
We have also been informed that there are many opinions as to
why they were fitted with ONE uniform, but are not at liberty to discuss them so
as not to start anything that may be false.
At this point, we stand by our original opinion
that it is Wynn trying to play mind games with the Dealers in an attempt to
divide them.
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 #77) From a 21 Dealer 9-14-07:
I heard a rumor today that Wynn if fitting all his floor
supervisors for dealing shirts. What can this mean? People the time is HERE AND
NOW FOR THE UNION!!! We may never get this opportunity again. For those of you
that visit this site but have not sent in a TWU card...I implore you to do so!!!
We need the show of support to even get to vote so if you are waiting ..please..
please...send it in now.
I know our shift has sent in a lot. The ones that complain the most are the ones
most hesitant. At least, send in the card and listen to the reps and you still
have another vote to decide yes or no!!! Also, when I ask others on the other
shifts they say they haven't heard anyone say anything about it...that means
nothing....people are still on the down low but that will change if each of you
send in a card...LETS GO CAESARS...SHOW THE WORLD THAT WE ARE LEADERS AND ALWAYS
HAVE BEEN.
One more thing, I am a veteran dealer that is not picked on and have a good rapport
with management but I know we need this UNION!!!!
RESPONSE:
We heard a similar rumor. What does it mean? We are not sure. We
believe that it is a "ploy" to scare their Dealers into thinking they
are going to be replaced. We believe that it is a "scare tactic". Psychological
warfare. We do NOT believe it is anything more than that. We can tell you all
that negotiations between the Wynn Dealers and their management is ongoing and
that there are no stalls or threats of strike or lock-outs being made. It is
Steve Wynn playing mind games.
When the reader writes, "The ones that complain the most
are the ones most hesitant.", we find this is somewhat true. It is
amazing how people can complain, but when handed an opportunity to resolve their
problem, they do nothing. Instead you hear them say, "Well, I am just going
to wait and see what happens". We know everyone is smarter than that, but
they continue. We understand people for the most part stand up for what they
believe in, but to do so no matter what is very closed-minded.
Caesars Palace has proven over and over again to us that things
NEVER get better. There are times where they will do the
"non-economic" fixes which only last until the storm blows over, then
it is back to business as usual. They count on Dealers having very short
memories. If change is not in writing, then it is not a change at all. With that
thought, they have proven that they will change what they write up as policy at
their whim. The "Attendance Policy" changes are proof of that. One
week they come out with a new policy, then two weeks later they change it again.
Just because they "write it" does not mean they can't change it. They
must put it into writing within a signed binding agreement for it to become real
change. They don't even put their changes on letter-heads nor do they show who implemented
the change they are making. It is basically a blank piece of paper with no names
attached to it. We ourselves could write up a "Policy Change", print
it out, then distribute it amongst the employees and who would know the
difference?
As the reader writes, "LETS GO CAESARS...SHOW THE
WORLD THAT WE ARE LEADERS AND ALWAYS HAVE BEEN."
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 #76) From a 21 Dealer 9-14-07:
Dear Fellow employees, please do not sit on the side line, we
need your cards. I know that every one is laid back and wants to see what
happens at The Wynn. Dear dealer and co-workers please get of you duffers and
mail your cards in. We need them. If we do not receive about 70% of the cards we
will not have a election.
So please I urge you to get off your duffers and mail your card in.
Dear Pussy cat dealers would you please help us, remember when you were being
shadowed, we paid you full tokes /tips even though you did not know how to deal.
So please I urge you to send in your cards. We will be together for-ever.
Please Pussy Cat dealers start purring. I know you are young now, but you will
age, and when that happens this HARRAH'S will treat you like crap.
Please help us help you.. Join us now we need your help.
Love you all
xoxo
RESPONSE:
We are receiving cards every day that were printed from this
website. The website was initially put up on August 21, and we received the
first cards August 23 and have received cards every day since. We will not
divulge the number of cards we have received until the TWU makes the decision
to petition the NLRB. Then we will only give the cards to the NLRB and Caesars
Palace WILL NEVER KNOW who signed a card. The Union nor will the NLRB EVER
give out that information. So, until that time comes, just assume we have yet
to receive an ample number of cards, and we just may be needing one more card,
and that card could be yours.
The reader is correct by saying that we need every Dealer at
Caesars Palace to sign and send in cards. They are also correct when mentioning
about the Dealers who are sitting back to watch what happens at The Wynn. That
"move" could be YOUR downfall, and every Dealer's at Caesars Palace,
and if you are one who is taking the "wait and see" approach, and if
Caesars Palace does something as drastic as Wynn did to his employees, who will
be to blame? It will not be the ones who had sent in their cards.
By the way, we would like to make mention of a
"rumor" here. One of the groups of Dealers from another casino who
recently contacted the TWU told them their casino is making preparations to
use their tokes to supplement their floor's pay. We won't say which casino
yet, but it is a very good source. If they do it there too, who will be next?
Caesars Palace? Very well could be. And if we do not have enough cards to
petition the NLRB if/when Caesars Palace makes that decision, we will loose
our tokes to the floor. Is that what we want to "wait and see" if it
happens? That my friends is YOU playing with your income and your families
security. If/when it does happen, we will know who to blame, and it will NOT
be Caesars Palace. Please encourage your friends to send in their cards ASAP
so we can get the process rolling.
As for the Pussycat Dealers, well the reader is also correct in
pointing out that it was US who paid you your tokes while you were all learning
the games, NOT management. It is/was the veteran Dealers at Caesars Palace who
provided you with those checks you have never seen the likes of before in your
life. Management only paid you minimum wage! It was/is the Dealers at Caesars
Palace who is paying you (yes we realize that you are making tips as well now,
but remember, if you want to make $300-per-day, you have to drop that amount
yourself every day. That's how it works). PCD Dealers, we are NOT your enemies.
As time goes by, it will be evident who your real enemies are, and it will be
proven to NOT be veteran Dealers. We want you all to drop as much money as
possible so we all benefit, just as you all benefited by us paying you while you
were learning the games.
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 #75) From a 21 Dealer 9-14-07:
I gotta ask all you CP dealers what you think you're worth?
No, really what do you think a highly skilled experienced multi game dealer at
the Palace should get paid? Good question right? Before you answer think of
this. As a Culinary Worker your tokes are completely untouchable. They don't
need state labor laws or a Senator to pass a bill for you. They are protected by
the union! That's right, not even Steve can find a way around that one! A room
service or banquet waiter gets a guaranteed gratuity based on the check amount.
Do you get a part of the rake or purse on any of our tournaments? Hell no!.... A
Culinary worker gets a full company paid pension and company paid insurance. And
you? Ha!
A Slot Tech. makes 25/hour plus over 6 bucks/hour going to their retirement plan
and they just started a union! A Hotel Engineer make 32/hour.
A cocktail waitress gets 12 bucks an hour and some of them, as you know, do
quite well. A bartender gets 17 bucks. Now that's not bad either.
A gourmet bus sever gets 11 bucks plus a part of tokes. Not bad for a guy/gal
working their way up right?
A waiter at Guy, Nero's, and Ogden's, gets 17 bucks an hour and quietly makes
over 100 grand a year!
And what do you spoiled, whining, over paid dealers make? 6.25, 7.25 or maybe if
you kiss enough ass and "exceed expectations" on your evaluation you
get a whopping extra .06 and hour. "Gees boss thank you so much! You like
me! You really, really like me!"
NOW ANSWER THE QUESTION. WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE WORTH?
THE ANSWER; YOU ARE WORTH A UNION!
RESPONSE:
We hear the question, "What can a Union do for me",
well just re-read this post. Look what it does for the other workers at Caesars
Palace!
Even with those "fair wages" and benefits, Caesars
Palace STILL records record profits EVERY quarter! It's not like if the Dealers
organize that we are going to "break them" and ruin the solvency of
the company and our jobs. Caesars Palace is NOT worried about us, we shouldn't
worry about if they can "afford" the Dealers going Union, believe us
they can afford it!
Also remember, our jobs can NOT be outsourced to another country
so the company can save money to add to their profits. You may say, "What
about Macau?". Well, there are casinos in MANY nations in the world, and
customers will always come to Las Vegas. Do you think the Western Hemisphere
customers will fly to Macau? No way!
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 #74) From a Retired Flamingo 21 Dealer
9-13-07:
If this were a perfect world without corporate greed,
political corruption and a servile, back scratching judiciary, workers would not
need to organize to protect themselves from these disingenuous evildoers.
But, truth be told, this is not a perfect world, not by a long shot.
As long as there are corporate bosses like Steve Wynn, with an ego as big as
Wyoming, dealers and other tip earners will be abused and victimized for the
benefit of those with the power.
When Benjamin Franklin was signing the Declaration of Independence in 1776 he
said: "We must indeed all hang together, or, most assuredly, we shall all
hang separately."
Steve Wynn and his cohorts have laid down the gauntlet. Now, we must pick it up
and join the battle, or perish.
***SOLIDARITY FOREVER***
RESPONSE:
Thanks for your feedback!
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 #73) From a Swing Shift 21 Dealer
9-12-07:
I would like to make a comment about John Edwards. I didn't
know John well but I did know him. I worked with him and also his wife on swing.
I have heard people say that it didn't surprise them that John got fired because
he was rude to a customer. Well it surprised the hell out of me. Which one of us
hasn't had the drunk, cussing asshole customer that the floor won't back off and
after hours of this shit we just snap. It seems to me that people are
rationalizing these firings John L...e, Nick B...o, John Edwards, and that's
just the few that come to mind. dealers give their selves reasons that these
people get fired so they can rationalize that it can't happen to them. Guess
what, it can and it will, the next time you get in a jackpot with a customer. As
someone once said, they came for my neighbor's neighbor and I said nothing. They
came for my neighbor and I said nothing. When they finally came for me, no one
was left to say anything. Sign a TWU card, lets give ourselves a say in our own
future.
RESPONSE:
It surprised us as well! What didn't surprise us was the fact
that his floor supervisor DIDN'T step in to settle down the customer! The Floor
is afraid to get into ANY customer situations because they too are concerned
over their jobs.
WHY does Harrah's philosophy believe that allowing
customers to swear like sailors on the games is "good customer
relations"? WHY does Harrah's philosophy believe that the customer
who just lost their life savings is justified to take out their anger on the
Dealers? WHY does Harrah's philosophy believe customers who don't have
cab fare are trustworthy and honest people? WHY does Harrah's philosophy
put more faith in what a customer says, who they have never seen before, over a
dedicated 5, 10, 15, 20 or 30 year employee? WHY?!
Because they just don't care and the Harrah's philosophy believes a
$20-bill is worth more to them than what they consider a dime-a-dozen employee!
Well, gamblers are a penny-a-dozen! Gamblers lie! Gamblers cheat! Gamblers
steal! Gamblers will take any "edge" they can get to win one bet, even
if it means getting an employee fired!
It used to be "the faithful employee was always
right" in the gaming business. Oh, we forgot, "times have
changed". Well, gamblers have NOT changed! Times have ONLY changed
because the corporate powers changed them as we stood by and did nothing!
When the reader writes, "As someone once said, they
came for my neighbor's neighbor and I said nothing. They came for my neighbor
and I said nothing. When they finally came for me, no one was left to say
anything." they hit the nail on the head!
In the Revolutionary War brave Women and Men where heard
yelling, "TO ARMS! TO ARMS". Our fellow Dealers, we have been in a
war with these greedy corporations for years now and they have been beating us
to a pulp as we all sit back and watch our Brothers and Sisters fall. Don't
think you are immune because you may "know someone". They will NOT
save you! We MUST stand together and win this war for each other, for our
families, for ourselves! We must stop being led like cattle to the slaughter,
trusting them all the way believing we are being led to greener pastures! We
must stop believing in them and believe in ourselves!
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 #72) From a Wynn Dealer 9-12-07:
In a years time, I would love to see all dealers in this town
members of the TWU union. It's time! Go for it!
RESPONSE:
We would love to see it too! Just think, in a year Vegas, then
maybe in two years the entire country! How much "clout" and strength
would we have? We could possibly influence who is elected in public office and
the laws which are now being twisted to suit the corporations could be interpreted
correctly!
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 #71) From an Extra-Board Dealer 9-11-07:
Until Wynn did what he did, I was always against unions. As
full time dealers, I definitely would want one. As part-time, I only think I
would. I worry of getting full-time with the new company coming in. The company
we have now promotes 9 mo. dealers in front of us. How will getting full time be
done? by seniority? Who's decision? Will we ever go back to splitting tokes as
before, dice, baccarat, and bj? Will the 9 mo. doll dealers continue to get full
time before everyone else?
RESPONSE:
Excellent feedback and questions! First of all, we are glad that
you have changed your opinion on Unions, somewhat. We believe by the time all is
said and done, you will be in full support of the Union.
You say, "I worry of getting full-time with the new
company coming in.", well we ALL have many concerns on what they may
do. Many of us have been through multiple "buy-outs" and can tell you
from experience, things never get better and usually get worse.
The rest of the questions in your post are all very good
questions. We can tell you this, if we do NOT organize, the decisions and
policies will all be decided by management. We will have no say, just as
now.
When we all join the Union, now ALL of those questions WILL be
answered at the negotiation table. We plan on having the "say" in
who gets promoted. We plan on getting all of our toke policies BACK TO THE
DEALERS DECISIONS. Keep in mind, we probably will NOT be able to negotiate actual
toke policies, but we WILL be able to negotiate that ALL decisions regarding
tokes will rest with the Dealers themselves. When that is in the contract, we
will then turn to the Dealer's Committee to conduct votes on our toke
policies, just as we had in earlier years (pre-Harrah's). This will be a separate
process from the contract negotiations.
Remember, it is the Dealers at Caesars Palace who decides what
we negotiate for. EVERY Dealer will be given the opportunity to fill out their
confidential surveys on what they would like to see in a contract. The results
of those surveys will then be used by the Negotiating Committee in contract
negotiations. The Negotiating Committee WILL NOT BE SELF-SERVING and will be
negotiating what EACH of the Dealers want.
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 #70) From a Wynn Dealer 9-11-07:
I am a Wynn Dealer and I am happy as all get out that you
Caesar dealers are joining this Union! I will tell you that since our union vote
in, I feel 10 times more secure! This site is excellent. Good Job!!
RESPONSE:
Hello! Glad you dropped by to check out the website! We are very
happy to hear about your new found "job security"! We at Caesars
Palace will be joining you in those feelings very soon!
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 #69) From a Dice Dealer 9-10-07:
Just so you dealers know what you are up against.
The law says that it is "illegal" for an employer to take the tokes
from its employees. The law is below. Just read 1 (a).
NRS 608.160 Taking or making deduction on account of tips or gratuities
unlawful; employees may divide tips or gratuities among themselves.
1. It is unlawful for any person to:
(a) Take all or part of any tips or gratuities bestowed upon his employees.
(b) Apply as a credit toward the payment of the statutory minimum hourly wage
established by any law of this State any tips or gratuities bestowed upon his
employees.
2. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prevent such
employees from entering into an agreement to divide such tips or gratuities
among themselves.
[1:17:1939; 1931 NCL § 2826] + [2:17:1939; 1931 NCL § 2827]—(NRS A 1967,
623; 1971, 1263; 1973, 644)
You would think that the labor commissioner and the courts would enforce the
law. The have chosen not to do so.
Everyone in Las Vegas, and on the planet, knows that Wynn took the tokes from
the dealers. The only thing the commissioner said regarding the issue is
"we don't think he took them because he didn't keep them."
How totally moronic is that logic?
Let me make it painfully obvious to you all. If he did not take them then what
was there to give to the floor people?
Despite the obvious the courts have chosen to ignore you an pander to Wynn.
If you do not stand up for yourselves like the dealers at Wynn did then you will
have no one to blame but yourselves. The only place you will get help is from
within. Stand up and be counted! Don't be afraid! Consider the alternative and
then figure out which is better for you.
RESPONSE:
The reader writes, "The only thing the commissioner
said regarding the issue is "we don't think he took them because he
didn't keep them." There is a scenario on another website entitled
"I
Didn't Keep It" that illustrates another interpretation of
someone "not keeping what they stole" that makes a very good point.
The point to what this reader is writing is that the
corporations CAN and WILL do whatever they want with our tokes and our jobs.
The ONLY way we can protect ourselves from these greedy immoral
"leaders" is to ORGANIZE. If we don't, as the reader points out, "If
you do not stand up for yourselves like the dealers at Wynn did then you will
have no one to blame but yourselves."
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 #68) From a Dice Dealer 9-10-07:
I was told "THE BIGGEST PLAYER" was giving away 100
dollar Macy's cards and we couldn't accept them last Christmas, but I see they
had a giveaway last week with those same 100 dollar gift cards and that was o.k.
because they used it for employee promotion and a union guy won the big prize. I
also noticed that management tends to promote favorites I really would like to
see a union so at least we would be on an even playing field. I would be happy
if we just got better medical dental not even a raise why is that too much?
RESPONSE:
We were aware of the "no gifts to employees allowed by
players rule" made last Christmas, but were unaware of the "employee
promotion" last week.
We have noted in other areas of this website, at one time the
Dealers at Caesars Palace were showered with gifts by the players, which
made the players feel good and creates bonds with them, building great customer
loyalty. We can only guess now, ONLY the "top dogs" and casino hosts
are allowed to receive gifts from customers, we don't "rate" anymore
in the eyes of Harrah's.
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 #67) From a Full-Time Dealer 9-10-07:
Just wanted to let everyone know how strong a union is. Just
a few days ago I saw a veteran cocktail waitress walking through the casino
slinging drinks as she has done for 30 years but this time after a weeks
suspension! Now if you don't work at the Palace or have been living under a rock
you know that this woman got into a major beef with Caesars biggest player,
Period! And, if you're thinking this was her first write up or beef you would be
wrong my friend. So they had that dreaded "paper trail" on her. The
time came for what everyone thought would be IT for her, the dreaded HR
meetings. Union reps and all she showed up and guess what? Not only was she
returned to work she was also given back pay for her time off!
Now compare this to the story of our fellow friend and dealer John Edwards. Yes
you guessed it he got fired for the same thing, an altercation with a player!
Now pass this on to a few of those fence sitting dealers you know and sign a TWU
card. If you don't know how to get a card then ask a friend you trust to get you
one!
RESPONSE:
Yes, she is back at work, and like you have stated, with
"back pay". I know that many Dealers have many opinions on our
cocktail waitresses, BUT everyone of us should have the right to work until we
can collect our FULL Social Security benefits. It doesn't matter what you look
like or what people may be saying about you, as long as you are doing your job
you have the "right to work".
We would also like to add, John was fired from a statement
written by a belligerent drunk (who was probably STILL drunk when he wrote the
statement) who was harassing him. We are not sure of the "level" of
play the "drunk" is/was at, but can assure you he doesn't come close
to who the cocktail waitress had an "incident" with. John was a
non-union employee and was fired. The cocktail waitress IS a Union employee and
KEPT her job.
Do you want a belligerent drunk ruining your life and the life
of your family?
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 #66) From a Full-Time Dayshift Dealer
9-9-07:
I have to say something to the ambitious 10yr. dealer. Good
for you that you have taken the time to learn all the games. But I must ask, are
you compensated for your vast knowledge of the casino games? Are you paid more
per hour for knowing Dice, roulette and/or Pai-Gow than your "21" only
counterparts? Knowledge like that is truly an asset to any company. If you truly
know these games, and are any good at them, then you do have an upper hand over
any one game dealer. All a company has to say is "We need a full-time
Pai-Gow dealer" and your in (maybe). Without a Union though, Mr. Big's
son's girlfriend, who only knows Pai-Gow, just might get hired off the street to
the position you thought you had locked-up for the last 3yrs (or even by 1 day).
Now wouldn't that just chap your ass? I assume that you are young and haven't
seen things like this happen and/or you may think that this can't/won't happen
to me. If so, you are soooo... wrong!!! This scenario (and many others like it)
have happened thousands and thousands of times and still happen to this day. Do
you really think that this type of thing is right to happen to anyone? I can
tell by your writings that you are all about yourself and damn the other guy.
Union minded people are all inclusive and that means you too. We want fairness
for all!!! We want to be treated with the respect we all deserve! We want to be
compensated for what we as individuals deserve! And we want our part of the
record after record breaking profits that we have been denied for so long! My
suggestion to you is to vote for the Union or go back to school, get a B.S.
degree and join the dog eat dog world of casino management!
RESPONSE:
"Are you paid more per hour for knowing Dice, roulette
and/or Pai-Gow than your "21" only counterparts? Knowledge like that
is truly an asset to any company." Are any of us? NO! They use our
assets for their advantage, not ours. It is time everyone is
compensated for their skills!
"Union minded people are all inclusive and that means
you too. We want fairness for all!!!" B-I-N-G-O!
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 #65) From John Edwards 9-7-07:
Hello Everyone, At a time when most would be feeling a great
sense of loss, surprisingly enough I do not. Instead I feel a deep sense of
gratitude and appreciation for having had the opportunity to stand beside each
and every one of you. The last seven years have been truly special. I have had
the distinct pleasure of meeting and working with some of the finest and most
compassionate people that I know. Most important, my time at Caesars has brought
me the opportunity to understand and embrace the most important emotion that one
can have, love. Without a certain set of circumstances being set in motion a few
years ago, my going to graveyard, I never would have met Darlene. I simply
cannot put into words just how grateful I am for that. Often times people
confuse wealth with dollars and cents. I'm here to tell you that there is a pot
of gold at the end of the rainbow. For those of you that have found yours, God
Bless. Those of you still searching, don't give up, for at the end of the
rainbow is where you will discover what it is like to be the richest man in the
world. Thanks for everything guys. With peace, love, and understanding. -John
Edwards
RESPONSE:
We do not know the circumstances surrounding John's departure
other than he has told us that what happened was not understood by HR or
anyone else in Caesars Palace. Evidently, Caesars Palace just didn't care and
went on a falsified customer report.
Farewell John, until our paths cross again!
From the Webmaster:
We have received several feedbacks
from one individual at separate times with a concern he has. We are going to
move his original feedback up to this point (was previously posted) along with
another he has sent to the next position on this page so they can be tied
together and responded to as one Feedback:
(Post #64) From a Extra-Board Dealer 8-29-07 &
9-6-07:
( 8-29-07 Feedback) - I have been dealing for 10 years and I deal every game, the
way it is set up right now if I work hard and do a good job I have the chance to
get full time faster then someone who has an earlier start date then I do. I
personally agree with this policy and hope it never changes, why should someone
with a bad attitude that provides bad service, gets bad reviews and constantly
calls in and only deals blackjack get full time faster then me just because they
have an earlier start date. secondly I know for a fact that since Wynn went
union they have stopped promoting extra board dealers to full time and now they
just hire more and more extra board and I'm afraid if Caesars went union it do
the same thing. I think the union is great for full time dealers but unfortunately
I believe it is not good for those of us on the extra board.
(Original response) -
This one left us speechless! First of all, we guess you have
no problem then being passed up yourself last week by Dealers who have been in
the business 6-8 months?
Next, you said, "... why should someone
with a bad attitude that provides bad service, gets bad reviews and constantly
calls in and only deals blackjack get full time faster then me..." Well, we
believe most of those Dealers have already been weeded out and are no longer
at Caesars Palace.
Then you say, "...I know for a fact that since Wynn went
union they have stopped promoting extra board dealers to full time and now they
just hire more and more extra board..." That may be so, but maybe Wynn hadn't reached the legal
limit of part-time help in that department, so they filled those
positions up? There are Federal Employer Laws that limit the percentage of
"part-time" versus "full-time" employees and employer can
have (Webmasters note: we are currently researching this). Just as there are Federal Labor Laws which dictate how many
"women" versus "men" and how many "minorities"
versus "non-minorities" an employer must have. With that said,
Caesars Palace could hire more extra-boards, but only up to the limits allowed
by Federal Law. Then if Caesars Palace wants to hire more extra-board dealers,
they would have to promote some to full-time status to keep the percentages in
sync.
You end by saying, "I think the union is great for
full time dealers but unfortunately I believe it is not good for those of us
on the extra board." Nothing could be further from the truth. Tell
that to the multiple-game, friendly, accurate, on time and dependable
extra-board dealer who has been waiting for a full-time position for 2-3 years
now.
We ask you, when you do become "full-time" do you
want seniority to rule then? For things like "days off",
"vacations" and so-on and so-forth?
Finally, if what you say is actually what you believe when you
say, " I think the union is great for full time dealers",
do you want the Union to be there for you then? If so, then 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!
Otherwise, what you think will be great for your future just may not be there.
( 9-4-07 Feedback) - So
it sounds like if ceasars goes union extra board dealers will never get full
time, they will just hire more and more extra board dealers and as for your
reply about the percentage they need to keep, I was told that is a property wide
rule meaning all the dealers could one day be part time and as long as they have
enough full time employees in other departments then they are ok, it looks to me
that going union would take a great full time 90000 a year job into a 50000 a
year part time job, thanks but no thanks, im going to encourage all extra board
to vote no. so that one day we might have the full time job that so many people
are taking forgranted.
(Current Response) - We have
Attorneys, supplied by the Union for YOU, currently researching if there is in
fact a required Full-Time vs. Part-Time percentage ratio required by Labor
Laws.
As for when the writer says, "So it sounds like if
ceasars goes union extra board dealers will never get full time,..." we
ask, where does it sound like that? That is your assumption, not ours or anyone else's.
If there is no "Labor Law" about percentages, what is stopping Caesars
Palace from hiring nothing but Extra-Boards now? It would save them
significantly if they didn't have to pay the costs associated with Full-Time
workers don't you think? They don't do it because they are "good
guys"? Maybe so, but we believe there is more to it than that.
Then you go on by saying, "as long as they have enough
full time employees in other departments then they are ok,..." Really?
Tell us, aren't the employees in most other departments Union employees with the
exception of a few small departments?
As for the part where you say, "... it looks to me that
going union would take a great full time 90000 a year job into a 50000 a year
part time job,..." You have astounded us once again. In your first
"feedback" you stated, "I think the union is great for full time dealers
..."
Also, don't you think the point of Full-Time Dealers vs.
Part-Time Dealers would be negotiated with a Union contract? Don't you get it?
The point of having a Union is to negotiate FAIR working conditions, which would
include promotions to "Full-Time" positions. What do YOU have right
now that states you will be made "Full-Time" and does it state
"when" you will be made "FT"? Please, provide us with that
agreement if you can.
Also, what happens if Harrah's totally turns Caesars Palace into
a ten-dollar grind joint? Do you think the "FT" Dealers will have
" ...a great full time 90000 a year job..."? Granted, the Union
can not control what type of customers Caesars Palace may cater to in the
future, but if tokes were to go down significantly don't you think the Union
would be there to negotiate higher wages to compensate? And, if you are possibly
thinking or want to say, "They will never turn it into a grind joint",
how can you say or think that and in turn say, "...they will just hire
more and more extra board dealers..."? Are you privileged to corporate
strategy? Also, how do you know being "FT" is so "great"?
You are an EB Dealer.
Bottom line is this, if we don't get organized and join the
Union, Caesars Palace can/will/have do/done with you and your job and your money
whatever they want, full-time or extra-board. The ONLY way to ensure that MAYBE
some day you will become a "FT" Dealer at Caesars Palace is to stand
up for your rights and stop looking for ways to "move ahead" at
another co-workers expense!
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 #63) From a Poker Dealer 9-7-07:
Hello again TWU. I worked at the (edited), when I first met
with TWU members. I'd like to open up some dealers eyes for a second.
Hello fellow dealers. PLEASE READ!
I met TWU back in 2001, when I worked at the (edited) At the time they came in,
we were damn set on a union. I'd say, if they took a vote right then, we were
90-10 for a union. Remember, the (edited) is just one casino, not a huge
corporation like Harrah's. I was surprised that the (edited) brought in
union-busters. It was all new to me, so I was surprised. The very first thing
the busters did, was pick apart the TWU. They told us they were not affiliated
with dealers, and they had no clue about operations. Is this who we want
representing us. ARE YOUR EYES OPEN YET?
That answer is easily answered....
YES, they are exactly who we want behind us! You see, they are a UNION! We got
anyone else? NO!
I believe Harrah's is a great corporation. I also believe they are by far, the
WORST ran corporation. We aren't going to stop this train from running us over,
so we should think about wanting a union. TWU knew we were thinking that, so
here they are!
Now, at the (edited), they spent a ton of money for the busters to come in, and
pick apart why we don't want a union. These meetings are mandatory? Funny, a
mandatory meeting. Smells like fear to me. Trust me, there is nothing greater
than a casino or a corporation sweating because we finally realized we are quite
expendable. rules, rules, rules. Well you know something, I've been in the
business for decades, and guess what?....I GOT SOME RULES I'D LIKE TO MEMO THEM.
Harrah's goes through an enormous evaluation, to find out if I'm the right
person for the job they offer, when I get hired, it seems like they then do
everything they can to try and get rid of me! That's messed up!
I did not give the union-busters one bit of rest. I asked numerous questions,
challenged many slight miscues they said, and eventually, was dismissed from
ever having to go to another meeting. I noticed, when I asked a question, all my
fellow dealers were like, yeah, what about that. Harrah's is a huge brand, as
they like to say it. I'm sure if a corporate bigwig uses a different term than
brand, he gets a warning slip, or even my favorite, a written verbal warning.
Only way to fight then, is with a Union. and TWU is just that. I'd gladly pay
anyone to represent me, a highly experienced dealer, as well as one who gives
great customer service, to cover my butt when I go up against a huge
corporation! I tried with them before, I will definitely try with them again.
When the busters got finished at the (edited), and the vote came down, it was
87-13 against the union!!!!
So I say this, don't fear, keep low profile, and think about your future. They
could release any of us anytime they want. All they have to do is paper trail
us, and done! to me, THAT'S THE REAL FEAR.
We are all front line employees, and they depend on us to treat their customers,
who by the way, are really just degenerate gamblers with a lot of money, who don't
have a gambling problem?...and pay us the same, as a convenience store cashier!
I remember hearing Bill Gates, gave over 100 employees a million dollar bonus!
Harrah's talks about record quarters all the time, and you know what? I want
more than a taxed $200 bonus each quarter.
So lets all just stand together, and give this massive corporation what they
have been pushing us to give them! A HUGE FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHTS. We have all
earned it!!
JUST VOTE YES! YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO. and we really need to.
RESPONSE:
Thanks for the Feedback and your support! We would like to
quote a U.S. President when he said, "All we have to fear is fear
itself". Do you all understand what that means? We think you do.
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 #62) From a Full-Time Dealer 9-6-07:
Come on dealers!!! I ask some of you and you have been to the
site but you haven't sent in your TWU card. You need to print it out, fill it
out, AND MAIL IT! The address is right on the page you print out.
If you don't have a printer; ask a friend or family member to print it for you.
Let's get with it Caesars, everyone is waiting to see what we do. We are a
beacon...a light.. for the rest of our properties. Give all of us a chance to
vote!!!! MAIL IN YOUR CARDS!!
RESPONSE:
We assume you know they haven't sent in their cards yet because
they told you they haven't. There has been no "official count" on the
cards as of yet. Very soon we will know exactly how many cards have been sent
in, but even then we will not divulge that information until we feel we have
enough to petition the NLRB for the vote.
We do know how many times the TWU
Authorization Cardhas been accessed on the website though (although
we do not know who has accessed the cards or if they have even printed one out),
and the numbers are VERY STRONG. Keep in mind, just because you have visited the
website and support what we are doing, your support will not count unless you
mail in a TWU
Authorization Card
The writer is correct when they state, "We are a
beacon...a light.. for the rest of our properties." Actually, we are
a "beacon" for the entire industry! We will slip out a little
"stat info" here. We know the website has been accessed by
computers from NINE different countries so far and by nearly every state in
the U.S.! The stats are very impressive! Why are we being watched so? If
there was no interest in the Unions, we would have no visitors. The interest
is there! Let's show them we are for real!
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 #61) From a Palace Court Dealer 9-6-07:
Wow, what a great website! It is far overdue! I would like
to thank the people responsible for this! I curtsy before you! I have heard a
lot of people make comments like, "What can the Union do for us".
Well, this website has told you many things I think. But I would like to
respond to that question too. First we must all remember the Union is us. So,
the question should be "What can we do for ourselves if we all stand
together as one".
A union can be looked at like a large mixing bowl you would
use to bake a cake. The Union is our "tool" to help put together the
finished product. We take the mixing bowl (union) and add the ingredients
(workers) and blend them together then pour the mix (workers and corporation)
into a cake pan (negotiations) and stick it into the oven (meeting room where
negotiations takes place) and bake it until we have the scrumptious cake
(contract). Simple!
But as you see, the Union is not the entire package, but is
our vehicle. Without it would be like mixing the ingredients for the cake on
the countertop and everything would be scattered and a complete mess (workers
who are not organized). The first step in making the cake is getting the
mixing bowl! I have printed out my card and mailed it in! Soon we will all be
Union "brothers and sisters"!
RESPONSE:
Wow! We are "hungry" now! Give us a slice of that
cake please! Great analogy!
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 #60) From a Dice Dealer 9-6-07:
First of all you must understand the current situation and
what it means to you. Wynn took the tokes from the dealers, I still feel
illegally, but this is Nevada and he is Steve Wynn.
The question is are you next? And the answer is a resounding yes! It is only a
matter of time.
Why would the casino reach into their owns profits to pay raises for their
supervisors if they can do it for free. By that I mean take your money and use
that to pay the raises.
By doing that corporate profits stay up as does the share price all of which
translate into bigger bonuses for Loveman and his minions.
Currently the union at Wynn has no teeth because they are alone. If they strike
no big deal. They will immediately be replaced.
However, if they had some support from other casinos that would not be the case.
Imagine if Caesars and the Bellagio also were in the union. Imagine if they all
went on strike together. Now you have something. Now you can affect change.
They could not immediately replace all of those dealers if at all. It would be
the same as if culinary went out. That would hurt management and then you would
have power.
The big question is do you wait until they take your tokes or do you prevent it
from happening at all?
If you unionize now I am pretty sure that management will not take your tokes.
They would know that you would strike back. They would know that you would have
support down the street and possibly soon up the street.
Everyone else in town would see that it is spreading and then they too would
join. Then you would have some real power. Then you could tell Steve Wynn and
Gary Loveman and who ever else to stick it in their a...
RESPONSE:
Overall, this writer says it like it is. We would like to
comment on one thing though. When the writer says, "If you unionize
now I am pretty sure that management will not take your tokes." If we
organize NOW, management will NOT take our tokes. The ONLY way they can take
our tokes is if they do so BEFORE we file for a request for a "Secret
Ballot" for Union representation. They have from now until then to
attempt to take our tokes. Once we file, EVERYTHING is put on
"hold". Then, when we win the election, we start negotiations with
what we have from the "hold" point.
Keep in mind, the casinos are taking the "wait and see
approach" when it comes to the Wynn toke situation. If what Wynn has done
there continues to be unlawfully upheld in the courts, all other casinos will
zoom in on every dealer's tokes in the state! It will be mind-blowing fast
when they act.
What we are doing within our legal rights as American Workers
now, by exercising our right to organize, is a pre-emptive strike. We are
taking action before action is taken upon us! If you value your tokes and the
right to control your tokes, JOIN US NOW before we lose what we will never be
able to recover!
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 #59) From a Wynn Dealer 9-6-07:
Just so that you know, it has been a lot less stressful since
the union was voted in. You guys are doing a great job and need to keep it up.
It isn't as tough as might think to stay together. You are strong!!!
RESPONSE:
It is good to hear there is something at the end of the rainbow!
Thanks for writing us!
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 #58) From a Swing Shift Dealer 9-6-07:
I would like to tell all of you a story about a floorman at
Caesars Palace who was terminated by Harrah's. I won't use his real name, but
will call him Joe (many of you will know him by his story I am about to tell).
Joe was a terrific floorman at Caesars Palace and had been
there for ten-plus years. He had been in the casino business for 30+ years.
Everyone loved working with Joe, from Dealer, to Pit Clerk, to fellow floormen.
When Joe was in your section, you could ALWAYS count on a response from him.
He would ALWAYS "okay" every transaction called out. He was on top
of things! Not only was he one of the best floormen we had, but Joe was one of
the friendliest as well. He treated every customer like they were our best
player. Joe was a true Caesars Palace professional! He was always
professionally dressed as well. Like I said, EVERYONE loved working with him
and being around him. He always had a kind word or a cute joke to tell and a
contagious smile on his face. Joe NEVER abused call-ins and NEVER went home
early. He was a "work-a-holic".
Joe was a dedicated and loving husband and NEVER made any kind
of "move" on the female dealers, although he was tall and handsome.
Then one day tragedy hit Joe's life. His wife was in a terrible auto accident.
Joe's wife suffered severe brain damage from the accident she
was in. She needed his loving care, and he gave it willingly. However, because
of his wife's medical condition, Joe was required to use FMLA so he could tend
to his wife when she needed him to. Joe DID NOT abuse his FMLA! He worked as
often as he could. Like you and I, he still had bills to pay, even more-so now
with medical costs.
Joe had cared for his wife nearly a year after her accident,
then one day she passed away. Needless to say, he was heartbroken. When his
wife had passed, Joe was granted his "three-day bereavement" LOA by
Caesars Palace. Well, Joe needed just one more day and requested another FMLA
day beyond his LOA. Unfortunately for Joe, just prior to his wife passing, Joe
had exhausted all of his FMLA hours while taking care of his wife over the
last year. Joe was DENIED his one extra day of FMLA. Well, he just was not
able to make it to work after struggling over the last year and having to bury
his wife. He wanted just one more day was all, so he called in.
Joe was "terminated". Many of us at Caesars Palace
actually cried for Joe, men and women alike. We miss him terribly.
RESPONSE:
Yes, this is who we work for. You think they care for you? Ask
the "Joe's" of this world. They DO NOT care for YOU! We must NOW stand up together and protect what we have!
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 #57) From a Wynn Dealer 9-6-07:
Hello future Union Brothers and Sisters, this is another Wynn
Dealer commending you all on your great Organizing Drive! Whom ever is behind
this website needs to be commended, Great Work!!
This is primarily for anyone that is waiting to see if Wynn Dealers get a
contract. You all need to keep in mind that negotiations can require great
amounts of time even at companies which are willing to work with a Union (think
of the big three automakers and the UAW, their contract negotiations can take
over a year; and I don't think that any of the big three want any of their
factories shut down due to no contract). WE ARE MAKING PROGRESS, but it will be
slow at best. With only a few negotiating days per month agreed on for the next
several months so far things will take time, but we will and have already made
progress. They have experienced negotiators and we have experienced negotiators
helping us from the International Union; but this will take time.
REMEMBER, negotiations BEGIN from the point you are at when the Union is voted
in, not from nothing. Where you all are at now is the starting point....
Wynn Dealers are behind you 100%!
RESPONSE:
We appreciate your praise of our website, thank you. We want to
thank you for your information on the negotiating process.
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 #56) From a 21 Dealer 9-6-07:
Look what happened at the Wynn, I am sure when those dealers
went in there they thought they were safe. They probably weren't thinking
"Hey any day this guy could take our tokes". But it did happen, and if
it could happen at the Wynn, what would make anybody think it couldn't happen at
Caesars. We don't know who is coming in next, and if this boss could take
hospital tokes, and bereavement tokes, and also make us pay 100s of full shares
to teach other people to deal, why might he not step over the big line someday,
and take say 10 or 15 percent of our tokes? What they have really done is take a
little bit at a time, then give us time to adjust and forget about it, then they
take a little more. So little by little over a period of time, we have been left
with No say-so over our tokes...a huge extra-board...crappy insurance...no
guidelines over player problems, it is usually suspension pending investigation.
Don't call me ungrateful for wanting a better work environment, security,
benefits, a say about tokes. I deserve it. I have worked hard and given 100%.
And if your not going to think about your future, you will be sorry some day.
Don't just let the "veterans" think about YOUR future, be a part of
it. Someday you too will be a "veteran".
RESPONSE:
You are correct when you say, "They probably weren't
thinking "Hey any day this guy could take our tokes". Who would
have ever thought?! But now, that is the point! We MUST think that way, it has
been proven to us if we don't, what happened at The Wynn may happen to us. If we
do not vote the Union in and it does happen, who amongst us can sit back and
say, "Gee, we didn't see it coming. Why didn't we try to prevent it
before it happened"?
As you have pointed out by saying, "...if this boss
could take hospital tokes, and bereavement tokes, and also make us pay 100s of
full shares to teach other people to deal...", and has been pointed out
repeatedly on this website and through Feedback, THEY HAVE THEIR HANDS IN
OUR TOKES ALREADY! We MUST stop it NOW before anything else happens!
When you say, "Don't call me ungrateful for wanting a
better work environment, security, benefits, a say about tokes. I deserve
it." you are exactly right! How many times have you heard management
say, "Be grateful you have a job"? Well, our response to that is,
"Be grateful you have such excellent employees working for you!"
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 #55) From a 21 Dealer 9-6-07:
First of all I want to tell you what a terrific job you guys
have done with this website, it is so informative! I have been in the casino
business for 20 years, and I would like to comment on how I've seen the rights
of the employees deteriorate in that time, back when I started working for a
casino was like belonging to a family they took care of you, they usually made
you full-time right away and in a short period gave you benefits, usually you
paid a small amount out of your check like 10 or 12 dollars every two weeks for
them. When you needed time off you usually just needed to approach the boss,
tell them what was going on and get the time. If their was a problem on the game
the casino usually sided with the dealer, because we were family, and the player
was given a meal ticket and to come back later. Over the years I have seen it
change dramatically, for the worse for those of us without a union. Today you
are hired extra-board with no promise of ever getting full-time, regardless of
you work performance. You may get passed over time and again regardless of your
experience or you evaluations. Now they no longer want to give you insurance,
and when they do, they make sure that you pay most of your premiums. Which in
some cases can be as high as some private insurance companies. Nowadays when you
get an irate, unruly player, everybody looks the other way, for the most part
the dealer is left standing by themselves to try to handle it the best way they
can, even if they are being cursed and yelled at, EVERYBODY is afraid of the
difficult player! I've read some of the other feedback and I see that the Wynn hasn't
promoted a lot of its extra-board, but I also know they don't have a contract
yet. I am not going to stand by and watch more and more get taken, and I
encourage all the young people to not either. Take it from the old-timers, a lot
has changed for the worse for us. It wasn't always the way it is now. VOTE FOR
THE UNION While you still have a chance!
RESPONSE:
Thanks for the kind words about the website! Wow, we thought
we were "long winded", just kidding! Make them as long as you want,
we love it! What more can we say? Their message says it all!
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 #54) From Nevada State Assemblyman Bob Beers:
I applaud your efforts. If the owners and boards of companies
treated their employees with the same concern they gave themselves no unions
would be needed. Sadly, this is very seldom the case. I brought forth Assembly
Bill 357 because one man thought his wealth placed him above the law. He thought
his power could prevent the formation of a union in his property. An
overwhelming vote of YES proved him wrong.
RESPONSE:
Dear Assemblyman Beers,
We too applaud your efforts in standing up for the tip-earners
of Nevada! Thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to visit our
website.
Note to the readers of this website: Assemblyman Beers will
stand up for the working men and women of this Great State. We hope all of you
will support his efforts as he supports ours. There are links to the Nevada
Legislature and to the Assembly roster on our Table of
Contents Page for those who would like to get a bit further into the
issues.
If you would like to support Assemblyman Beers campaign for
re-election so he can win another term and continue to fight for the tip-earners
of Nevada, make your contributions to:
Assemblyman Bob Beers
355 Cavalla Street
Henderson, NV 89074
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 #53) From a Dealer 9-5-07:
The day Steve Wynn seized our tokes irretrievably changed
this industry. The implicit pact and tenuous trust we had with the casinos was
forever shattered and can never be restored. We can no longer trust you. We keep
a constant gaze over our shoulders wondering when you might shatter our dreams
and our livelihoods too. I wonder what you were thinking as Wynn so arrogantly
stepped on these people? Deftly working his way through the system as if he
owned it. You sat silent as laws were being manipulated and legislators
exploited. You did nothing as NRS codes were being broken and so conveniently
reinterpreted to now fit your needs. Knowing that you did nothing as we fought
our hearts out answers this burning question. Your own silence has made it
crystal clear. And for that we thank you! No, really thank you! You have shown
us that we have no strength as individuals, we have no say in local politics or
a voice in our treatment at work, for you control all of these. Our only choice,
as you have shown, is to unite and make one large voice. One so large that the
same legislators who voted against us, will now come groveling to us for
support. One that will be at the negotiating table the next time we need to talk
about insurance and disciplinary actions. One that now knows what needs to
change before it's too late.
AGAIN THANK YOU SO MUCH!
A Dealer
RESPONSE:
First of all, let us clarify something about this feedback.
This is a letter to casino management/owners. So, when the reader uses the
word "You", it is in reference to them, not us. With that in mind,
please re-read the feedback again now and all will have a clearer
interpretation as to what the author is actually saying.
We agree when the author writes, "trust we had with
the casinos was forever shattered and can never be restored." For us
however, that trust was shattered when our management took away our "Hospital
Tokes" and "Death Benefit
Tokes". It was then they showed us THEY will do whatever they
want with OUR tokes whenever they want to.
So true when they write, "You have shown us that we
have no strength as individuals, we have no say in local politics or a voice
in our treatment at work, for you control all of these." And THIS
must change!
We are in 100% agreement when they said, "Our only
choice, as you have shown, is to unite and make one large voice."
Dealers, what other choice do we have? EVERY TIME we have taken the
"let's wait and see what happens" approach, we have continued to
lose! EVERY TIME! Please, someone write us and tell us when we have not lost!
Please! We are anxiously waiting for that feedback, but it never comes. Why?
Because we have always lost is why! When has it EVER gotten "better"
for us? When? Readers, if you see no response to this on this website, then
there is no response. The lack of the response we are asking for says volumes
itself!
THINGS NEVER GET BETTER ONCE YOU ENTER THROUGH THE DOORS AT
CAESARS PALACE! What you get on the first day is as good as it gets! For
Dealers anyway. It continually gets better for CP Executives, but not for
those of us who are in the trenches. Yes, when you get the job, it was
probably a significant increase in your income, but that will be the last time
you get anything from Caesars Palace. From day one they will take from you. It
is kind of like when we were born into this world, yes we gained
"life" but only to embark on our journey to "death". It is
up to us to make that journey an easy one. Nobody will do it for us!
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 #52) From a Full-Time Poker Dealer 9-5-07:
In the poker room, we only split tournament tokes. The big
fear among the dealers is that if we unionize we'll have to split tokes from
cash games. We will be able to keep our own tokes from cash games? If not, will
all table games across the board be pooling tokes?
Love the site by the way. There's been a lot of rumbling across the Poker room
about unionizing for the past year. Glad to see some movement starting.
RESPONSE:
We are glad you like the site!
Okay, you have stated, "The big fear among the dealers
is that if we unionize we'll have to split tokes from cash games."
So tell us, what is to prevent management from tomorrow telling
all of the Poker Dealers, "From here on out, starting today, all tips in
the poker room will be pooled."? Do the Poker Dealers have a contract that
prohibits management from interfering with the collection and distribution of
the tokes which we are not aware of? No? Didn't think so.
With that in mind, this is exactly WHY you need a Union.
Management has already told the "Pit Dealers" what they can and can
not do with their tokes. Management has already said point blank to our
Dealer's Committee "You will pay who we tell you to pay, how much we tell
you to pay them and when we tell you to pay them". What is stopping
them in the Poker Room? It surely is not the Dealers as individuals.
One of the main points of the Union is to STOP management from
telling us what to do with our tokes.
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 #51) From a Wynn Dealer 9-4-07:
Wynn dealer again. I don't know what the percentage is of
extra board to dealers but I will find out for you. Since the union was voted in
I think that they were trying to hire 40 more. Don't know for sure but will try
and find out today. I know that the floor-people (not team-leaders) were told in
their morning meeting that they were stopping the hiring. I also want to tell
you that the union (even though still in negotiations) has already already had
an impact. We have gotten a couple of things on the negotiation list. It takes
time but we decide not the corporation. Stay strong and stay together. This
website is amazing and when you come close to the vote you will see all the
support from us. I promise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RESPONSE:
Thanks for the info! You see all, the Union at The Wynn is NOT
struggling. Negotiations are ongoing and moving forward! Great news! Also, we
assure that our source is dependable and accurate! Sorry, we will NOT tell you
who it is, just as we will always protect your identity as well.
As for hiring 40 more people, well, that's the "normal
course of business".
We are looking forward to the day when we can stand arm-in-arm
together! We are looking forward to when we all can place the "Las Vegas
Dealers Union Local 721" bumper stickers on our cars! We are looking
forward to the day when we can wear a "Union Yes" button on our
uniforms at work! But we we are most looking forward to is job security once
we have enough A-Cards, have voted "yes" for the Union and then
reached an agreement and have a contract!
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 #50) From a 21 Dealer 9-3-07:
I sure would like to shake the hand of the person doing ALL
this work on this sight for the dealers of CAESARS Palace and the town!
I will be glad the day that a dealer can be taken to the office and have a shop
steward by their side!
RESPONSE:
We are sure you have already shaken our hands at least once
;)! Eventually, when we get enough cards and WIN our Union vote, you will meet
us all in person and by name! Until then, well, the site must go on!
Ask not what your brother or sister can do for you, but ask
what can you do for them! (Well, something like that :)
)
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 #49) From a Wynn Dealer 9-3-07:
It's me again. The dealer from the Wynn. I just wanted to
comment on something one of you writers wrote in. No extra board dealer at Wynn
Las Vegas has ever been promoted to full time. Some were hired on that terrible
day last August 21st when the devil told us he was taking our tokes and giving
them to the floor. Not one of them has been promoted to full time. After the
first hires of extra board the rest that were hired later all had to sign a
agreement that they would give up their tokes. I repeat NOT ONE EXTRA BOARD HAS
BEEN PROMOTED TO FULL TIME. I am going to be looking at your website a lot and
will probably be telling you some of what is written in false. You guys are so
much ahead of the game. So much more organized than we were. You should be able
to win this by a bigger landslide than we did. You have nothing to
lose!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stay together and stay strong!
RESPONSE:
Thank you for that confirmation. So, tell us, what is the ratio
of full-time vs. extra-board? Also, have there been "lots" of new
extra-boards hired since the Union was voted in?
We assume when you say, "...the rest that were hired
later all had to sign a agreement that they would give up their tokes." you
mean they have to willingly give up a portion of the tokes to the floor? If
that is the case, and the initial Dealers did not sign that agreement,
wouldn't that make two "implied" agreements? One which must give up
tokes and another that does not have to? Curious.
As a reminder, there is a page on this website dedicated to questions
and responses for Dealers at The Wynn. We will post all on this page,
but we will also post on that page as well.
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 #48) From a Pussycat Dealer 9-3-07:
I love the website! I have heard the dealers talk about it,
so I thought I would check it out. I knew there were issues the older dealers
had, but I didn't realize there were so many. These will be my issues
eventually if we don't do something now. I am very much for the union and you
will have my support! I know I am young and pretty right now, but this may be
my job until I retire and I know I won't always be young and pretty (at least
I hope I will be, but I know we all get old). I want the Union there for me as
I age. I want to keep this job and I know the Union can help me do that. Who
knows, maybe someday someone will not want me here anymore and get rid of me.
Where will I be then? Yes, the Union is a good thing and it is for me!
RESPONSE:
Wise woman! We couldn't agree more!
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 #47) From a Graveyard Dual-Rate 9-3-07:
It is sad how spoiled the dealers are. making 100k a year and
still not happy. working 40 minutes an hour and still complaining. at least you
are all getting paid. try being a dual-rate. they use that title to screw us
over. they pay us less than the full-time floor, and justify it by saying
"well, you get to deal"--B.S. they NEVER let the dual rates
deal--especially on graveyard. Believe me, I've talked to people and all of the
dual rates on graveyard NEVER get to deal. it has been literally months since
any of them have dealt. that is pretty sad if you ask me--just using people and
lying to them on a constant basis. I wish I never started working here.
RESPONSE:
Do you protect your family? Do you protect your home, your car
and your belongings? We are sure you do. By doing so, does that make you
"spoiled"? We don't think so. What the Dealers are trying to do is
PROTECT their jobs and their income. Does that make them "spoiled"?
Isn't that what every working man and woman does or strives to do?
As for "working 40 minutes an hour and still
complaining", maybe some Dealers work 40 minutes, but we believe most
do in fact work hours. Ever ask yourself why Dealers work hours and get a
break? Do you think management wouldn't rather prefer Dealers work say 2-4
hours before giving them a break? It would cut payroll costs. But there is a
reason why Dealers work no longer than an hour at a time...Stress and
mistakes. Many years ago a study was done to see the effects on Dealers
relating to the "time" they were left on games. It was found that
after one hour on a live game, Dealers were more apt to make multiple
mistakes. Dealers are "professionals" and make dealing "look
easy".
We find your feedback kind of contradictory. You call dealers
"spoiled" yet you complain you don't get to deal. Very strange.
We know many of the issues of the Dual-Rates, which is just
another reason why we need a Union NOW. The Union will greatly benefit the
Dual-Rates. It may even help provide the opportunity for them to become
full-time Dealers if we can get things negotiated the way we would like to see
it.
The "spoiled Dealers" are trying to fight for you.
Please, join us in YOUR struggle for fairness, equality and security!
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 #46) From a Graveyard Dealer 9-2-07:
As was stated, we know management knows about this site so to
those that read this site: We want you to know " it is not personal".
We must protect ourselves from these mega-corporations. I happen to like my ACM
and shift manager, however, who knows how long they may be there...just like ALL
THE ONES BEFORE THEM. Everyone's working environment has deteriorated...even theirs...so
understand ...WE MUST VOTE THE UNION IN!!!! and to my fellow dealers....do the
right thing for us now.......and for those in the future....VOTE!!!
RESPONSE:
Agreed, NOTHING on this site is "personal". We are
trying to correct corporate policy by using our legal rights as American
Citizens and organizing.
Yes, we like our ACM's and Shift Managers as well, they are
good people. We are NOT attacking them. Don't lose sight of that fact
everyone. However, they are only following the rules laid down to them by the
"corporate managers". They need to eat too. They will NOT be fired
only because we organize!
Yes, VOTE "Yes" as soon as we get the chance to
vote. But FIRST AND FOREMOST, 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 #45) From an Ex-Harrah's Dealer 9-2-07:
I worked for the Flamingo for over 17 years. I watched how
the corporations changed all the good things to bad. When Harrah's took over I
knew it was time to leave. I have been a dealer for well over 26 years and have
always said we needed a union. I praise you for doing what your doing and only
wish I was still in the business to vote for it. Now live in North Carolina so
can't be much help. I have seen them fire for no reason, lost all benefits and
to those "new be
dealers" you are just a number. Stick up for yourselves, or you will one
day be a statistic
like some of the oldies who know what's best..
I congratulate you for what your doing.
Hope all goes your way.
RESPONSE:
We want to thank you for your support! We wish you were here to
join us! Hope life is good for you now.
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 #44) From a Full-time Dealer 9-2-07:
How many full-time dealers and dual-rates do we have? It
would be nice to have an idea of how many the 50% number is. Do we actually need
50% plus 1 to call for a vote? We are working hard in our secret world of
networking...look out Corporate America.
RESPONSE:
We have a list of names of every casino employee at Caesars
Palace. We will do a manual count again in the next few days and give you the
numbers. Technically, yes, all it takes is 50% plus one to call for a vote.
However, to help ensure we get a "yes" vote, the TWU will not
petition the NLRB until they are satisfied we have enough numbers to win the
election. The TWU would like to see between 60-70% of the Dealers signing
Authorization cards.
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 #43) From a 21 Dealer 9-2-07:
I wanted to say that I think this thing is really starting to
move! Just today at work I had at least three people ask if I had been to this
site yet! How awesome! People are finally starting to talk in the break rooms. I
think this is the best thing we could do for ourselves.
RESPONSE:
Yes, we are hearing more and more everyday in the lounge. What
would be great is if everyone could just open up and we all talk about openly
in the lounge. It is what we must do. When we start doing that, then we will
hear all sides and we can hear pros and cons and any convincing arguments by
our fellow workers.
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 #42) From a Swing Shift Dealer 9-2-07:
I've got something on my mind, and its really bugging me.
What casino in this town tells you that you have to do away with bereavement
tokes and hospital tokes, and then tells you that you will now give up hundreds
of shares of tokes to train other people to become dealers? Tell me they don't
have a hand in our toke boxes. Why had this been allowed to go on? And for how
long? What's next? No, really what's next?
RESPONSE:
They definitely have their hands in our toke boxes! It has
been allowed because we can't stop them without a contract! Management runs
the cage and payroll. They have told the Dealer's Committee and Toke Cutters
if they do not do what they are told to do, they will be "separated".
So, without a Union and a contract to back us up we have no options. This is
one of the many reasons WHY we need a Union NOW! As for "what's
next", well we have pointed out many possibilities on this website. If
the Dealers were wise, they would try to take some preventative actions now
before it gets worse, which is why this website exists. In our opinion, what
is "next" is we all join together and join the Las Vegas Dealers
Union Local 721!!! That is what should be "next"!
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 #41) From a 21 Dealer 9-1-07:
1 year catastrophic leave now 6mo.
5 days sick-pay per year, now 3 days per figured into your PTO and now we have
no call-ins at all without "Points". Can't get time off when requested
and long approval/disapproval period for PTO requests
RESPONSE:
They just take away and take away! By the way, have they
"posted" now is the time to put in for vacation for the first six
months of next year? It is. When is the cut-off date? Haven't seen a
"post" in the Dealer's Lounge, but it may be there somewhere.
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 #40) From a Swing Shift Dealer 9-1-07:
What a fantastic site!!! There is a lot of important
information about the union, and why it would be beneficial for everyone to
join. Almost everyone working in the hotel industry has a union, except the
dealers. For too many years the "fear factor" has kept dealers from
participating in forming a union. WELL, THAT IS ALL IN THE PAST. You can now
sign and mail in your TWU card anonymously. Just print it out. WHAT A GREAT
IDEA!!!
There are so many issues to address, and everyone has one or more issues that
are really important to them. We shouldn't lose site of the most important ones
though, like JOB SECURITY, AND FAIR RULES AND POLICIES.
There is a lot more at stake, such as your families. We need to protect our jobs
and work in an environment that will allow us to perform at our best, without
the "fear" of losing our jobs over trivial stuff. We need to work in
an environment where management provides fair rules and policies, and not treat
us like 4th graders by giving us points.
We all miss the days where we were treated like "FAMILY". I hope that
the dealers read and understand why the union would be a great benefit to us
all, and take action by signing and mailing the TWU cards. This is the time to
take control, instead of just following along like little lambs. This is the
time to step forward, and provide ourselves and our families the job security
that we deserve.
RESPONSE:
We are happy you like the website! We agree, having to work in
"fear" of trivial reprimands can have an effect on us all. Although
there may not be many reprimands for the trivial stuff, having the
"threat" hanging over our heads can cause us to not be as happy as we
should be. Happy employees equals happy customers!
As for the "family atmosphere", well that may never
be the case anymore because of the "corporate mentality" and
management having to play the "corporate game" to keep their own
jobs secure. But then again, if management were actually working with real
contracts as well, they could be a bit more "family like". As we
explain on the page SUPERVISOR GAINS,
one can see how it may be possible.
Also, once we belong to the Union, the Union itself can add
the tight-knit feelings of a "family atmosphere". There can be Union
sponsored events not to mention the possibility of monthly Union Meetings
where everyone gets together to create a better work environment.
True, it is time we stop "following along like little
lambs" and lead ourselves into our own futures!
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 #39) From a Pussycat Dealer 9-1-07:
Please can someone tell me how much the union bartenders and
cocktail waitress make per hour.
RESPONSE:
We have heard several different things on this. We have heard
they START OUT somewhere between $11 and $13 per hour. We have not heard what
their "cap" is though.
Also, the Culinary and Bartenders receive FREE HEALTH
INSURANCE paid for by Caesars Palace! One of their MANY Union benefits they
negotiated.
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 #38) From a Dealer 9-1-07:
I work for another casino but I strongly agree that a Union
is very much needed in order for all casino dealers to obtain job security.
People you are crazy if you don't sign up for it. As we older Dealers are
leaving you are going to need all the help you can get.
RESPONSE:
We couldn't agree more!
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!
