However, that company is in the process of being purchased by Eldorado Resorts, and Eldorado is known for its union busting. Currently, Caesars Entertainment owns it. One of the first casinos in Indiana, the gambling and entertainment hub has changed hands several times. New Albany, where Caesars is located, lies on the Indiana side of the Ohio River across from Louisville, Ky. With negotiations on the horizon, now she is getting engaged in the fight for a good contract and respect on the job.

She signed up about one year ago to be a part of the organizing and bargaining committees. Betty works in the wardrobe department at Caesars and is a member of UNITE HERE Local 23.

“That aggravated the tar out of me,” Betty said as she described how the low pay and high insurance deductible had her “choosing between food or rent.” She has even had to take on a roommate to share costs. Not quite Southern, not quite Midwestern, but with a definite twang that reminds you she comes from an area of the country where people are not afraid to fight injustice. Earning $13.79 per hour after all that time, she had to declare bankruptcy and could not afford her house in Sellersburg.īetty spoke very matter-of-factly to People’s World in that accent native to Southern Indiana and Northern Kentucky. Betty Marion, 58, has worked at Caesars Southern Indiana Hotel and Casino in nearby New Albany for 16 years.

INDIANAPOLIS-2020 will be the year about 8,000 casino workers across the country will be in contract negotiations with the behemoth, Caesars Entertainment.

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