After more than two years of contract talks, Ameristar Casino and Unite Here, the union for about 200 employees, still cannot come to terms. Casino officials said the union health insurance plan ended Monday, May 1, and has been replaced by the casino’s own health plan. UNITE HERE Local 1 spokesman Joe Shansky said the union health insurance plan offers family coverage for total premiums of 0 per year, whereas the casino’s plan will cost employees who require family coverage about ,000 per year.
“Since the health care needs of our team members vary, the plan offers various levels to address those needs, and the higher costs mentioned are not indicative of the needs of all of our team members. At the same time, the offer also includes various components to help alleviate increased costs for those affected,” said Matt Schuffert, vice president and general manager of Ameristar Casino, which is owned by Pinnacle Entertainment of Las Vegas.
UNITE HERE members have boycotted the casino and filed an unfair labor practice lawsuit because it said a union member was fired in retaliation for the boycott. The union said the boycott is a protected activity under the National Labor Relations Act and is seeking the employee’s reinstatement. Schuffert stated the charges have no merit and should be dismissed.
Schuffert noted, “Unfortunately, even though we have bargained in good faith, we have come to a point where we have been unable to agree on health and welfare.” Casino officials said union leaders did not show up for the last bargaining session. Union leaders said that was because the casino refused to budge on the health insurance issue and threatened to fire employees who participated in the boycott.
UNITE HERE Local 1 spokesman Joe Shansky said, “We have a ton of support from the Northwest Indiana community, and people feel this is an out-of-state company that’s coming in and taking actions that threaten employees and their families.”
