Casino Union Workers Protests Over Latest Health Proposal

Unions have become very strong in the casino industry. They have been signing up workers at various casinos and have already begun to make themselves heard.

On Friday, union employees began a protest outside of the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Northern Nevada. The casino is the largest of its type in northern Nevada.

The protest began after employees were upset with a recent health care offer from the casino. They claim that they were insulted by the proposal which requires them to pay too much money.

"We are demonstrating peacefully. We are not preventing anyone from coming in here," said Brian Staaleson, a union spokesman who is a bellman at the Grand Sierra. He was one of the employees that was demonstrating on Friday.

The casino believes that they have made a fair offer to their workers. They claim they have picked a plan that is best for everyone involved.

"We want to ensure that our employees have the best policy, even though they may have to defray a portion of the cost. (It's) the best possible price for our employees, but it is not free," said Tom Schrade, President and Chief Executive Officer at the Grand Sierra.

It is expected that the protest will continue Aug 10th, when Reno's Hot August Nights celebration will end.

August 3, 2008
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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