Foxwoods Beverage Department Bargaining Update

November 17, 2011

Negotiations continued this week with lengthy sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday.  We discussed very serious issues surrounding scheduling, bidding, seniority, and appearance standards.  We reached agreement on some articles, and continue to remain far apart from the company on others. 

We are sure you have heard rumors about many of the difficult proposals the company has put on the table.  There is no denying that some of the initial proposals put forth by the company are very different than what your union wants in your contract. Some of the company’s proposals are exactly why many of you voted for the union in the first place.  We remain committed to reaching an agreement that secures the financial future of the casino while protecting the jobs and benefits currently enjoyed by beverage employees. 

Each week, steady progress has been made.  While we wish we had an agreement in place already, creating a first contract is a difficult process, and we want to ensure that we don’t miss any important pieces.  Your bargaining committee is doing an amazing job of representing your interests, and informing management of what the important issues are in the department.   As always, if you have suggestions or proposals that you did not initially give to the union, please call union representative Keri Hoehne at 860-459-9517 or tell one of the bargaining committee members.