Bally’s neutrality deal sets stage for Teamsters union drive across three Black Hawk casinos

Bally’s Corporation and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters have reached a neutrality agreement that will give employees at the company’s three Black Hawk casinos the ability to seek union representation. The accord establishes a card check process allowing workers to authorise Teamsters representation by signing cards rather than participating in a formal election.

The agreement covers Bally’s East, Bally’s North, and Bally’s West, a trio of interconnected casinos in Black Hawk, one of Colorado’s main gaming centres. It does not extend to Bally’s Arapahoe Park, the company’s racetrack and casino in Aurora.

“Under the new card check process, Bally’s workers in Black Hawk, Colorado, will be able to choose union representation with the Teamsters simply by signing authorisation cards. Once a majority of workers in a given unit sign cards, Bally’s will automatically recognise the group as Teamsters,” the company and the union said in a joint statement.

The deal strengthens the Teamsters’ growing traction in regional gaming markets. Founded in 1903, the union represents 1.3 million workers across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. In recent months, the Teamsters have secured organising gains at multiple casinos.

At Encore Boston Harbor in September, 85 cashiers and cage employees voted to join Teamsters Local 25. Earlier this year, slot machine workers at Hard Rock Casino Rockford in Illinois backed Teamsters representation, building on previous successes with valet and warehouse staff at that property.

“The Teamsters Union and Bally's Black Hawk have come together on an agreement that puts working people first. This is how you raise standards across an entire industry — by giving workers the freedom to unionise without fear,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien.

“Bally's workers are the heart and soul of the company. Now they'll have the ability to secure the protection, strength, and long-term benefits that come with being Teamsters as they continue to ensure Bally's remains successful for generations to come.”

“Our people are at the heart of everything we do,” said Soo Kim, Chairman of Bally's Corporation. “This agreement reflects our commitment to listening, learning, and working together with the Teamsters to support our employees and the communities where we live and operate.” 

Bally’s three Black Hawk casinos house more than 540 slot machines, 33 table games, and a poker room.