Sky River workers press for union recognition under tribal labor rules

Sky River Casino’s workforce is pushing for union recognition, while Wilton Rancheria leaders assert that labor decisions fall under tribal law established through the tribe’s gaming compact.

The casino opened in 2022 after Wilton Rancheria secured state approval for a compact that placed oversight of gaming operations with the National Indian Gaming Commission rather than the state of California. Casino operations, including labor policies, are governed by the tribe’s own regulations.

Tribe calls for election under tribal law

Wilton Rancheria officials say they are following the labor process outlined in their Tribal Labor Relations Ordinance. They argue that a secret-ballot vote is the correct method for workers to decide union representation.

“We are calling for a fair process, including a secret ballot election under our tribal law that allows team members to decide for themselves if they want to have a union, a law that Unite Here agreed to honor in 2017,” said Wilton Rancheria Gaming Authority President Cammeron Hodson. He said the tribe wants the union to follow those procedures.

Hodson said the tribal government supports worker decision-making within a “safe, respectful environment.”

“We deeply respect our team members and honor their choices. We have a legal and cultural commitment to supporting team members. We believe in a process that is fair and honors everyone’s voices, where people can make their own choice in a safe, respectful environment,” he said.

Union cites 2017 agreement and majority card signings

Unite Here Local 49, which represents gaming, hotel, food service, and airport workers in the region, said the tribe entered an agreement in 2017 to recognize the union once a majority of employees signed authorization cards. The union said that threshold was met in summer 2023 and described the support as a “super majority.”

Union members argue that Sky River should begin contract talks based on that level of support.

“I’m organizing the union because we deserve better than below average. Sky River, we demand you honor your agreement by recognizing our union and negotiating a fair contract,” said cook Trina Morey, who has worked at the casino for two years. Morey said employee pay is $6.52 below average.

Rally and continued organizing

The unionization drive began when the casino opened, according to Unite Here Local 49 President Aamir Deen. He told the Elk Grove Citizen on November 24 that most workers signed union cards early in the campaign and that public backing has remained.

Workers held a rally on November 18 at Wilton Rancheria offices to press for recognition. Deen stated that other tribes with agreements similar to the 2017 arrangement have worked with unions.

“All of the other sovereign nations have abided by their agreements, and we hope that Sky River, Wilton Rancheria chooses to do that also,” Deen said. “If you compare the wages between the union casinos and Sky River, Sky River is consistently below average.”

Wilton Rancheria leaders maintain that tribal sovereignty should guide the process.

“If our team members choose to create a union by a secret ballot election, we will respect their decision,” Hodson said. “But that’s not what is happening here. This entire process thus far has challenged our tribal sovereignty, and the continuing refusal to abide by the Tribal Labor Relations law is an attempt to suppress our rights as a Nation.”

Union officials and casino employees say they plan to continue seeking recognition while labor and legal discussions proceed within the tribal governance framework.