Published on: October 28, 2024, 12:59h.
Last updated on: October 27, 2024, 01:00h.
Workers at the newly inaugurated Hard Rock Casino Rockford in Illinois demonstrated last week to secure a union contract.
In August, the Hard Rock International inaugurated the approximately $360 million casino in Rockford, Illinois. Shortly after, many of the casino’s 900 employees started demanding a union contract.
The Seminole Tribe of Florida owns Hard Rock International. The conglomerate, known for entertainment, hospitality, and gaming, has historically opposed unionization at its various hotels, casinos, Rock Shops, concert venues, and cafes worldwide.
Employees at Hard Rock’s Rockford property allege that the company is investing heavily in legal resources to hinder the casino staff from unionizing.
Last Friday, employees of Hard Rock Rockford, also known as “band members,” gathered outside the casino for a “Rally for Respect.” The event was coordinated by six unions, including the United Auto Workers, Service Employees International Union, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, International Union of Operating Engineers, and Unite Here.
Supporting the Cause
The employees who participated in the rally for a union contract at Hard Rock Rockford emphasized that the company should cease spending on obstructing the workers’ right to organize.
The movement is gaining momentum. We anticipate votes within the next couple of months, but we would prefer the casino not to waste resources on suppressing this effort, as it seems inevitable,” Sara Dorner, president of Rockford United Labor, AFL-CIO, shared with the Rockford Register Star.
Three of the six unions mentioned are affiliated with the AFL-CIO. Dorner and other supporters of unionization at Hard Rock believe that a labor agreement will safeguard jobs and enable workers to negotiate for better wages and benefits in the future.
UAW Local 1268 President Matt Frantzen offered assistance to casino workers in their potential unionization endeavor.
“We are here to provide support. We have a coalition of six unions that are supporting different sectors, but we are all united in this cause,” Frantzen stated.
Progressive Conversations
Geno Iafrate, President of Hard Rock Casino Rockford, expressed that the company is open to discussions with unions and trade groups.
The casino’s management is currently engaged in talks with local union leaders from Unite Here, Teamsters, and Operating Engineers. These discussions follow successful votes by valet drivers and warehouse employees to join unions at the property.
During the construction phase of the $360 million casino, Hard Rock collaborated with multiple trade groups and over 1,200 union construction workers to bring the project to fruition. The Northwestern Illinois Building and Construction Trades and Illinois International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 364 were among the involved unions.
The 64,000-square-foot casino floor at Hard Rock Rockford features 1,300 slot machines, 50 live dealer table games, a poker room, and a Hard Rock Sportsbook. Additionally, the casino houses a Hard Rock Live music venue with a seating capacity of 2,000 guests.
The property also offers meeting spaces, a Rock Shop retail outlet, and a selection of six dining and bar establishments. While the casino itself does not provide accommodation, it has established partnerships with numerous nearby hotels.