Dear Jack:

This is Rich from northern Nevada. I wrote to you about the CEO taking our tokes without our permission, well I am letting you know that the Gaming Control Board is looking into our situation, and the Attorney General's office basically sent me an e-mail --- I will try and paste it here.
>>>>
(e-mail from Attorney General's Office)

Your e-mail has been received by this office concerning the casino retaining dealers' tips for distribution on Thursday, the regular shift pay day.  The following is the statute concerning tips:

      NRS 608.160  Taking or making deduction on account of tips or gratuities unlawful; employees may divide tips or gratuities among themselves.
      1.  It is unlawful for any person to:
      (a) Take all or part of any tips or gratuities bestowed upon his employees.
      (b) Apply as a credit toward the payment of the statutory minimum hourly wage established by any law of this state any tips or gratuities bestowed upon his employees.
      2.  Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prevent such employees from entering into an agreement to divide such tips or gratuities among themselves.

  If you feel your employer has violated the above-referenced statute, a wage claim should be made to the Labor Commissioner's office.  The Carson City office is located at 1445 Hot Springs Rd., # 109, Carson City, NV 89706, tele. # 775-687-4850. The Las Vegas office is located at 555 E. Washington Ave.,# 4100, Las Vegas, NV 89101, tele. # 486-2524. 

   You may also consult a private attorney to determine if you have any further remedies or rights.  This office, however, provides representation to the various state boards, commissions, and agencies, and is prohibited from dispensing legal advice to any one other than our designated client. 

  I hope the above answers your questions.
  >>>>>

Also, Jack, I would like to know if you know of any good attorneys, because last week we had an ordeal at the other property (Stateline) where a player actually hit a dealer in the head with his hand. The player was not asked to leave and was not kicked out of the casino. He was allowed to keep playing. In our casino we had a player throw a die at one of our dealers and he was also allowed to keep playing. This IS the same management team that runs both properties (Stateline and Silversmith). I do believe that we do have a very hostile and unsafe working environment and we are really concerned about our safety and welfare. Please get back to me as soon as you can.
Rich B.
   
P.S. I was dealing dice at the Monte Carlo in November when they took the vote for the union and it was very clear that the "dealers" wanted to vote for the union. To bad that there is only about 25% of the dealers who know that they ARE dealers.....
* * *
Rich:
Take a copy of the Attorney General's e-mail with you when you make your complaint with the Labor Commissioner. Also, it would be helpful if you had a committee of dealers with you who share your outrage when you make your presentation to the Labor Commissioner. Once you make the formal complaint, inform the press --- I'm sure they'll want to report it. Another thing, contact Andrew Barbano at:  <barbano@frontpage.reno.nv.us>

He's a journalist with a particular interest in fighting for the working man. He may help you publicize this issue. Tell Mr. Barbano you were referred by Jack Lipsman and Tony Badillo of the NFGE in Las Vegas.

As far as a local attorney call John Ross in Carson City, (775) 882-1676. If he cannot handle your case, ask him to refer you to another attorney. Again, tell him you were sent by the NFGE. Keep me posted.
Jack Lipsman
NFGE

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