The workforce at Sky River Casino is advocating for union recognition, while leaders from Wilton Rancheria maintain that labor-related matters are governed by tribal law in accordance with the tribe’s gaming compact.
The casino commenced operations in 2022 following Wilton Rancheria’s achievement of state approval for a compact that assigned oversight of gaming activities to the National Indian Gaming Commission instead of the state of California. All operational aspects, including labor policies, are directed by the tribe’s regulations.
Tribe advocates for election under tribal law
Officials from Wilton Rancheria assert they are adhering to the labor process as specified in their Tribal Labor Relations Ordinance. They contend that a secret-ballot election is the rightful method for workers to select union representation.
“We are advocating for a fair procedure, which includes a secret ballot election as per our tribal law, allowing team members to determine if they wish to establish a union, a commitment that Unite Here agreed to honor back in 2017,” stated Cammeron Hodson, President of the Wilton Rancheria Gaming Authority. He emphasized that the tribe desires the union to comply with these established protocols.
Hodson indicated that the tribal government endorses employee decision-making within a “safe, respectful environment.”
“We genuinely value our team members and respect their decisions. We have both a legal and cultural duty to support our team. We believe in a fair process that acknowledges all voices, enabling individuals to make their own choices within a secure and respectful atmosphere,” he added.
Union references 2017 agreement and majority card signings
Unite Here Local 49, representing workers in the gaming, hotel, food service, and airport sectors, highlighted that the tribe committed in 2017 to recognize the union once a majority of employees signed authorization cards. The union claims that this threshold was reached in the summer of 2023, characterizing the backing as a “super majority.”
Union representatives argue that Sky River must initiate contract negotiations based on this significant level of support.
“I’m organizing the union because we deserve compensation above the subpar level. Sky River, we urge you to uphold your agreement by acknowledging our union and entering into fair contract talks,” said Trina Morey, a cook who has been part of the casino’s staff for two years. Morey indicated that employee salaries are approximately $6.52 below the average.
Rally and ongoing organizing efforts
The push for unionization commenced upon the casino’s opening, according to Aamir Deen, President of Unite Here Local 49. He informed the Elk Grove Citizen on November 24 that the majority of workers signed union cards early in the campaign, and public support has persisted.
Workers gathered for a rally on November 18 at Wilton Rancheria offices to advocate for recognition. Deen noted that other tribes with agreements like the 2017 pact have engaged collaboratively with unions.
“All other sovereign nations have adhered to their commitments, and we expect Sky River and Wilton Rancheria to do the same,” Deen asserted. “When comparing wages at unionized casinos to those at Sky River, it is evident that Sky River consistently falls short.”
Leaders from Wilton Rancheria maintain that tribal sovereignty should dictate the approach.
“Should our team members opt to form a union via a secret ballot election, we will honor their choice,” Hodson commented. “However, that is not what is unfolding here. This entire situation thus far has tested our tribal sovereignty, and the ongoing refusal to adhere to the Tribal Labor Relations law appears to be an attempt to undermine our rights as a Nation.”
Union representatives and casino staff have expressed that they intend to continue pursuing recognition while labor and legal discussions progress within the framework of tribal governance.