Workers at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, NY, have initiated unionization efforts, seeking collective bargaining negotiations with the Seneca Gaming Corporation.

The organizing effort, which began December 12, is being led by former employee Vernon Lohan in partnership with Teamsters Local 449. Workers cite concerns over unfair terminations, inadequate pay, and benefits as primary motivators for unionization.

To successfully unionize, the effort requires:

• 30% of workforce signatures supporting unionization
• National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) oversight
• Employee election
• Majority vote in favor

Previous unionization attempts at Seneca Niagara in 2004 and 2005 were unsuccessful. Despite being on sovereign tribal land, the casino must comply with federal labor laws as it employs people outside its reservation.

Seneca Niagara, the largest of the tribe's three casinos, features:

• 2,500+ slot machines
• 60 live dealer table games
• Sportsbook
• AAA Four Diamond hotel with 600+ rooms
• Premium amenities including spa, retail, and dining

Seneca Gaming Corporation employs over 5,500 full-time workers, paid $313.4 million in wages last year, and generated a $1.1 billion economic impact in upstate New York. The company currently shares 25% of slot revenue with the state, though negotiations for new terms are ongoing with Governor Hochul.

If successful, this unionization effort could spark similar movements at the tribe's other properties: Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino and Seneca Buffalo Creek.

Related Articles

Previous Articles