Casino workers at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, NY, have initiated unionization efforts, seeking to establish collective bargaining negotiations with the Seneca Gaming Corporation.

Vernon Lohan, a former employee leading the organizing efforts alongside Teamsters Local 449, began the initiative on December 12. Workers cite concerns over unfair terminations, inadequate pay, and benefits as primary motivations for unionization.

Previous unionization attempts at the casino in 2004 and 2005 were unsuccessful. To proceed, organizers must gather signatures from at least 30% of the workforce. If successful, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) will oversee an election process, despite the casino's tribal status.

Seneca Niagara, the largest of the tribe's three casinos, features:

• 2,500+ slot machines
• 60 live dealer table games
• Sportsbook
• AAA Four Diamond hotel with 600+ rooms
• Luxury amenities including spa, shopping, and restaurants

The Seneca Gaming Corporation employs over 5,500 full-time workers, paid $313.4 million in wages last year, and generated a $1.1 billion economic impact in upstate New York. The tribe currently shares 25% of slot revenue with the state, though negotiations for new terms are ongoing with Governor Hochul.

If successful, this unionization effort could spread to the tribe's other properties - Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino and Seneca Buffalo Creek.

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