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NATIONAL FEDERATION OF GAMING EMPLOYEES
1067 Griffith Avenue
Las Vegas, Nevada 89104
(702) 474-9766 fax: (702) 474-9767
December 12, 2000
William P. McBeath, President
The Mirage
P.O. Box 7777
Las Vegas, NV 89177-0777
Dear Mr. McBeath:
In your November 13, 2000 letter to your employees you
offer several reasons why they should not associate with the TWU.
The main thrust of your argument is that the union is based in New
York City and, ....."to our knowledge, (does not) have any
experience with the gaming industry or even an understanding of
how dealers earn a living."
The facts contradict that premise. Our organization, the
National Federation of Gaming Employees (NFGE), formerly the
Nevada Casino Dealers Association (NCDA), has been asked by the
TWU to assist and advise them in matters relating to the gaming
industry and the special needs of dealers in the course of their
efforts to organize dealers in Las Vegas. The NFGE has been
involved with dealer's rights issues and the pursuit of justice
and equity for dealers since its formation in 1989. Additionally,
the NFGE's two most senior directors have between them a total of
66 years in the gaming industry as dealers.
You represent to your employees that the authorization card
carries legal weight. In this you are correct. But you fail to
explain that its use is mandated and protected by federal law. The
card is the only way for an employee to ask for representation,
and it is revocable at any time by the employee, no questions
asked. You imply that the card carries, "serious
consequences," which could possibly be construed as a threat.
Intimidation, in any form, is a prohibited activity. You say,
"Please don't be misled." Are you implying that we are
somehow misleading the dealers? It is those who threaten economic
reprisals, such as loss of 401(k)'s, tips and jobs that are doing
the misleading.
Yours and other gaming companies speak of "commitment
to employees," but dismiss calls from gaming dealers for wage
equity with statements like, ---Our wage scale compares favorably
to other Las Vegas gaming properties,--- leaving out the fact that
most Las Vegas gaming properties are members of the Nevada Resort
Association and often consult with each other about wage levels
and other matters of employee benefits, which makes this so called
comparison a farce.
To conclude, Mr. McBeath, please know that in the future
when you speak to your employees on these matters, the TWU, with
the guidance of the NFGE, will be standing nearby, ready to set
the record straight.
Sincerely,
Jack Lipsman, Vice President,
Tony Badillo, President, NFGE
NFGE
Cc: Tim Grandfield, TWU International Director of
Organizing
Frank Trotti, TWU
Organizer
Distribution
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