Menominee tribe dissolves casino labor pact

The tribe has been pursuing a casino in Kenosha going back to the 1990s. In August 2013, the U.S. Department of Interior left it to Walker to make the final decision. Walker has until February 19 to make up his mind.

In 2004, the tribe reached a deal with a United Food and Commercial Workers local that would have allowed workers to form a union using a "card check" if the casino were approved.

Under a card check, workers can form a union by signing cards, rather than by holding elections. Backers say that system ensures workers aren't harassed by their employers for supporting unions. In contrast, opponents say card check allows unions to intimidate people into joining unions.

Some casino opponents have cited the card check agreement as a reason Walker should veto the proposed Kenosha entertainment complex, which would be financed and managed by Hard Rock International.

But the 2004 deal was dissolved effective last week under an agreement reached by the union, tribe and the Menominee Kenosha Gaming Authority. The deal was reached to "remove any political obstacles that stand in the development of this project," the new agreement says.

That means casino workers would have to go through the normal process of holding elections to form a union. Besaw praised the United Food and Commercial Workers for making the concession on card check.

Representatives of the union did not return calls, and a spokesman for Walker's administration had no comment on how ending the card check agreement might affect the governor's decision.