Howdy, and a Happy New Year!! to all. A subject that I usually keep away from is about Labor Unions. The sector of folks that band together for what their message is for workers. Religion and one's politics you usullay want to stray from. I've not ever been a member nor any of my family, to my knowledge. But, acutely aware of them, even know a few local Union Presidents and even earlier in life interviewed on radio a United Mine Workers Union President, Richard Trumpka. Now, he was an interesting guy. The current UMWU President I've covered also.
Well, an article in the December 24, 2007, issue of Business Week caught my eye. Entitled "Labor's New Roll of the Dice" states that nationally, Labor unions are losing ground in the auto industry. SO, guess what, they are reaching out to the Casinos and trying to garner dealers as members. Making up for lost membership. Infact, even the Transport Workers Union of America is working to get membership in some Las Vegas Casinos for dealers.
Bottom line is that the auto industry unions are less membership and they are doing what they can to increase membership. SO, this may be the deluge on river boats that company owners are feeling that dig into their companies. I don't know. True, owners may not want to pay as much on insurance, pension, or other concessions, but they may not want another entity to horn in on their workers and have any input on the business also.
I can see that, as a business owner.
Casinos are now working on robots to lessen the human impact on card dealing......and, they won't have to deal with unions coming. Seems like a vicious circle to me. The biggest casino sector is the one owned by Indians that the unions are after, also.
I don't know the Delta Queen union situation, but evidently unions all over are scrambling for membership. SO, possibly the Delta Queen is in the middle of a union squabble for or against any exemption. I don't know.
It seems a pity if the boat is held hostage by some for their agenda rather than what is best for the Delta Queen and its loyal fan base. Mary
