Casino workers at Horseshoe Indianapolis just won union recognition after striking for fifty days and voting to join the Teamsters.

When the government shutdown in October postponed their union certification vote, dealers at Horseshoe Casino in Shelbyville, Indiana didn’t give up on joining the Teamsters. Members called a “recognition strike” promising to picket the company until their union was recognized by the employer. Backed by Teamsters Local 135, workers maintained a 24/7 picket line through weeks of chilly weather and rainy days, encouraging regulars to join their favorite card dealers at outdoor tables. 

As part of the multibillion-dollar Caesar’s Entertainment conglomerate, Horseshoe Indianapolis is the second highest-earning casino in Indiana. Dealers pushing for better pay, fairer tip pooling and job security knew that to win their demands they needed to take collective action. They will now go to the bargaining table to negotiate their first union contract.