A casino workers strike at Caesars Southern Indiana ended this week after nearly two weeks, as Teamsters Local 89 and Operating Engineers Local 399 members approved a new five-year contract.
The work stoppage affected about 140 of the property’s 900-plus employees. The casino is owned by VICI Properties and operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Employees had been without a contract for more than a month. Union leaders were pleased with the new deal, calling it a “new foundation for members going forward.”
The contract includes company participation in the Teamsters 401(k) plan, a $1,500 bonus, $5 in annual pay increases over the duration of the contract, the right to carry raises between departments when transferring, and continued union healthcare with an option to utilize a higher-tier plan.
“Now that the dust has settled and the strike has ended with a powerful new contract, we want to encourage all the Caesars Southern Indiana guests who have been honoring our picket line to return to the casino, have a great time, reconnect with our members who have always provided such amazing service, and remember to tip them well when you win!” Teamsters leadership said in a statement. “It’s good luck to honor a picket line, so we hope you all win big when you return!”
Union members were expected to return to work Monday. The property remained open throughout the work stoppage with reduced staffing.
Several casino work stoppages have occurred nationwide over the past few years.
In 2024, 30,000 Las Vegas Culinary and Bartenders union workers hit the picket line.
A year earlier, workers at several major Las Vegas properties reached a labor deal just before a planned strike. Virgin Hotels also reached an agreement with workers earlier this year after a contentious 69-day strike.
In December 2023, Detroit casino workers spent more than a month on strike before reaching an agreement with the city’s three commercial casinos.
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