Virginia: Over 200 Hard Rock Bristol dealers vote to join Teamsters Local 519

More than 200 employees at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol have voted to unionize, according to Teamsters Local Union 519.

The vote followed an organizing campaign focused on wages, benefits, and job security. Workers said they sought a stronger collective voice and improved working conditions tied to the casino’s financial performance.

“Their goal was to gain a more powerful voice to help advocate for better wages, benefits and job security,” the union said in a statement. “Hard Rock’s record profits should account for its employees, who are the ones making it all possible on a daily basis.”

The organizing election was held over the weekend and included more than 200 casino and hotel workers. Employees ultimately voted in favor of union representation following weeks of organizing activity and outreach efforts.

Teamsters suggested in their release that management at the casino hotel sought to influence the outcome.

“It was the best decision to choose the Teamsters, and we’re proud to support them as they move forward in securing a fair first contract,” said Tommy Blitsch, director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show and Casino Division, in a separate statement.

Workers in the bargaining unit operate table games including blackjack, roulette, and poker, handling wagers, chips, and payouts.

The permanent Hard Rock Bristol casino resort opened in November 2024 and features 1,400 slot machines, 75 table games, a poker room, a sportsbook, and a 303-room hotel.

The $500 million development was built by Hard Rock International following Virginia’s 2020 legalization of commercial casino gaming. The company is owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Since opening its temporary facility in 2022, the casino has reported strong revenue growth. Gross gaming revenue rose from $158.4 million in 2023 to $162.1 million in 2024, and reached $252.1 million last year. Through April of this year, it has generated $86 million.

Under its agreement with local stakeholders, 7% of monthly gaming revenue is directed to the Bristol Regional Improvement Commission. The commission has collected more than $46 million since operations began, funding public safety, education, transportation, and infrastructure projects.

Hard Rock Bristol President Allie Evangelista said the company respects employees’ rights and is working to confirm details of the vote. “Our focus remains on supporting our team members and respecting their rights,” she said. “We are working to confirm details. We’ll share updates if appropriate.”

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents about 6,000 casino and casino hotel workers nationwide and more than 1.3 million members across North America.

Following the vote, the union and management are expected to begin collective bargaining to negotiate a first contract covering wages, benefits, and workplace conditions.