Chukchansi casino workers strike for higher wages in ‘fight for respect’

COARSEGOLD, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Union workers at Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino wrapped up a three-day strike on Monday, calling for what they say are fair wages and respect.

The most recent negotiations between the casino and its workers would have given workers a 2% raise, but would have charged them for lunches they currently get for free and taken away their free medical benefits.

Union employees say that offer was “the biggest slap in the face.” Employees like Suzet Tawney say they would be at a complete loss without the casino’s healthcare benefits.

“Every other job in the area is part-time, doesn’t offer steady hours, is also below minimum wage, and unfortunately doesn’t offer nearly as much benefits, Tawney said. “I personally can’t go to another job because I need health insurance.”

According to the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians’ Chairwoman, Tracey Hopkins, the casino provides one of the best combinations of wages and benefits in the region.

Hopkins says the tribe and the union have been in negotiations since June, but says negotiations took a turn when the union refused to negotiate an offer that would have increased some employees’ wages by over 80%.

“Most people are making anywhere from $15 to $17, so you have to do a 2% calculation,” the union’s Adolfo Perez said. “Most people have done it and said it was anywhere from 30 to 40 cents.”

The tribe’s Tracey Hopkins says the tribe employs nearly 1,200 people and the tribe could not afford to offer employees the raise the union’s offer without compromising some of the tribe’s other philanthropic endeavors.

“The casino is the tribe’s main source of operating income – we use those funds to operate vital tribal programs like elder programs, housing, nutrition support, foster care services and language and culture classes,” Hopkins said. “No employer or business could support that kind of increase.”

Employees are eager for negotiations to reach an end that both tribal leaders and union workers are happy with.

“[Chukchansi] have been the number one casino in the area for 17 years, and that is because these workers have been doing the best job that they can,” Union representative Hector Azplicueta said. “The employer needs to recognize that – this is a fight for respect.”

In a further statement, the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians adds that a strike while negotiations are still happening is against the law as provisions of the Tribe’s gaming compact with the State of California “make it illegal for an employee union to strike unless the parties have reached an impasse in negotiations. There has been no impasse in negotiations.”

Tribal officials add that they are interested in coming to a mutually beneficial agreement that provides fair wages and rewarding work for casino employees. The striking workers are set to return to work on Tuesday.