NORWICH, Conn. — Members of UAW at Foxwoods, Local 2121 have ratified the first union contract under tribal law in the nation with 75% voting in favor. Just over 1,400 of the 2,500 dealers at Foxwoods and MGM Grand voted Friday for the groundbreaking two-year agreement with the Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Enterprise d/b/a Foxwoods Resort. “We worked hard to get dealers a fair contract,” said Yan Mei Shi, a 6 ½ year dealer. “Dealers deserve job stability and fair treatment on the job, and this agreement is a great advancement.”

Elizabeth Bunn, UAW secretary-treasurer said, “Dealers across the country have been watching this process and we are confident that this agreement will serve as an inspiration to them. We look forward to working with the dealers at Foxwoods and MGM and dealers at other tribal casinos interested in improving their working conditions through a collective voice on the job.” The contract provides an average 12 percent wage increase over two years, preserves benefits, and improves job safety and security.

“We are so pleased. We put a stop to the erosion of full-time jobs and fought to make sure more people have jobs with benefits,” added Denise Gladue, a 15-year dealer. “There are a lot of safety issues like arm and shoulder injuries from dealing. This contract is the first step to address that and many other issues.”

The contract creates what the union calls “an industry model” for job safety, including programs to reduce repetitive stress injuries, a major extension of medical leave time for workers out with serious illnesses for more than six months, and a unique 24-table “smoke-free pit” to help workers vulnerable to second-hand smoke and provide customers with a smoke-free haven.

UAW Region 9A Director Bob Madore said, “These workers stuck together for over three years and it shows if you have the determination to win, it can happen, and workers united can succeed. The bargaining committee and dealers should be applauded for their perseverance in accomplishing a collective bargaining agreement under tribal law. This is an historical achievement.”

“We will work wholeheartedly to let people know that this is a great place to come for a union-friendly, worker-friendly gaming experience,” Madore added.

The UAW now represents gaming employees at four casinos in Atlantic City and three in Detroit, and has made a commitment to helping dealers in casinos across the country come together to improve wage and benefit standards. The union has more dealers under contract than any other union in the country.