Slot attendants at Rivers Casino in Portsmouth, Virginia, have voted to join Teamsters Local 822, marking an early unionisation victory at the state's first full-service permanent casino.
The decision to join the Teamsters was driven by the employees' aspirations for fair wages, better benefits and an influential voice in shaping their futures.
James Wright, President of Local 822 and International VP of At-Large, said: " I want to congratulate this group of workers on their decision to organise and become Teamsters. We are excited to welcome these new union members and look forward to negotiating their first contract."
Tatar McCarver, a slot attendant at Rivers Casino and a member of Local 822, added: We felt the need to organise with the Teamsters in order to secure good wages, benefits and to have a say in our futures. We are thrilled to join a strong union that will negotiate a good contract and the rights we deserve."
Teamsters Local 822 stands as a representative for more than 3,000 workers across the Tidewater Area, functioning across various industries and now encompassing the employees at Rivers Casino Portsmouth.
The decision to unionise at Rivers Casino Portsmouth follows other casino employee unionisation efforts in the region, such as MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino's parking ambassadors, who unanimously joined Teamsters Local 639.
The Rivers Casino Portsmouth celebrated its grand opening less than a year ago, marking a historic milestone as Virginia's inaugural full-service permanent casino. The casino's opening ceremony included community-oriented initiatives such as charitable donations and notable guest appearances from local politicians and leaders.
