Striking Horseshoe Indianapolis Staff Join Teamsters Local 135

Workers at Horseshoe Indianapolis who have been on strike for more than seven weeks have voted to join Teamsters Local 135 amid their ongoing dispute with the casino.

The strike action commenced in October after union elections did not go ahead as planned. Some 200 dealers and dual rates were scheduled to vote in the October 17 election.

Workers proposed to use Teamsters as a neutral third party to conduct the vote. This was rejected by Horseshoe, which led the employees to strike.

Now, striking staff have voted to join Teamsters Local 135, an organization that represents over 12,000 members.

Teamsters Accuse Horseshoe of ‘Union-Busting Tactics’

Dustin Roach, president of Local 13, hit out at how Horseshoe has so far handled the issue. He said the organization will now act on behalf of the workers to reach a resolution.

“Horseshoe Indianapolis pulled out every union-busting tactic in an attempt to undermine this group,” Roach said. “But in the end, the militancy of these workers proved too powerful.

“We can’t wait to bring that same fighting spirit to bargaining for their first contract.”

Tommy Blitsch, director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division, added: “Our union made it clear to Horseshoe from the start that there was only one way this strike was ending, and that’s with Teamsters representation. It has been inspiring to see these workers make it happen.”

Horseshoe Indianapolis is owned by Caesars Entertainment.