The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has issued a landmark decision against Station Casinos, ruling that the company engaged in repeated violations of labor laws to discourage worker support for the Culinary Union.

In a decision released Monday, a three-member NLRB panel found “extensive coercive and unlawful misconduct” by Station Casinos management. This misconduct, according to the panel, stemmed from “a carefully crafted corporate strategy” designed to undermine employees’ right to choose union representation.

The ruling compels Station Casinos to recognize the Culinary Union and engage in good-faith bargaining with the labor group. A spokesperson for Station Casinos has not yet responded to requests for comment.

The Culinary Union initially filed a complaint in 2019, alleging that Station Casinos offered benefits like healthcare and retirement plans to influence workers to vote against unionization. The complaint further detailed threats of termination and discriminatory work assignments directed at employees who supported the union.

This decision covers 16 unfair labor practice charges filed against Red Rock Casino, Boulder Station, and Palace Station. An administrative law judge ruled against Station Casinos in 2022, and the NLRB panel has now upheld that decision.

Significantly, the NLRB panel also ordered a “remedial bargaining order,” also known as a Cemex order. This type of order is based on the concept that the unionization process was so tainted by Station Casinos’ actions that it rendered the election results irrelevant. According to an NLRB spokesperson, this is the first time the board has issued a Cemex order since establishing the precedent in a 2023 case.

The NLRB decision also mandates that Station Casinos reinstate a terminated employee and remove employee images from an anti-union website.

“This decision affirms what we have been saying for years,” stated Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge. “Station Casinos violated the law and must bargain with the union due to their unlawful actions that corrupted the process for a free and fair union election.”

The decision can be appealed to the Supreme Court. The Culinary Union and Station Casinos have a long history of conflict, marked by numerous labor complaints and legal battles. Most recently, Station Casinos announced in April that a majority of hospitality workers had signed a petition to decertify the Culinary Union. The Culinary Union leadership countered by accusing Station Casinos of further legal violations and demanded continued good-faith negotiations.

Source: News3LV