Shelbyville, Indiana, December 8, 2025
Workers at Horseshoe Indianapolis have successfully secured union recognition with Teamsters Local 135 after a seven-week strike that began due to the postponement of their union certification vote by the NLRB. Approximately 200 employees, including table game dealers, initiated the strike to demand better pay, fairer tip pooling, and improved job security. The strike culminated in a successful union vote, paving the way for collective bargaining negotiations.
Horseshoe Indianapolis Workers Secure Union Recognition After Prolonged Strike
Shelbyville, Indiana – Dealers and dual-rate employees at Horseshoe Indianapolis have successfully voted to join Teamsters Local 135, concluding a seven-week strike that began in October 2025. The workers initiated the strike after the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) postponed their union certification vote due to a federal government shutdown. Seeking immediate union recognition, they maintained a continuous picket line, urging management to acknowledge their desire for collective bargaining rights.
Details of the Strike and Unionization Efforts
The strike involved approximately 200 workers, including table game dealers and dual-rate employees who serve as both dealers and floor supervisors. These employees were scheduled to vote on unionization on October 17, 2025; however, the NLRB’s closure led to an indefinite postponement of the election. In response, the workers, supported by Teamsters Local 135, organized a “recognition strike,” pledging to picket until their union was recognized by the employer.
Horseshoe Indianapolis, owned by Caesars Entertainment, is the second-highest-earning casino in Indiana, generating $336 million in revenue in 2024. The workers’ demands included better pay, fairer tip pooling, and increased job security. With the union vote now completed, they will proceed to negotiate their first union contract.
Background on the Labor Dispute
The workers’ decision to strike was influenced by the NLRB’s inability to conduct the union election due to the federal government shutdown. This unprecedented move by the workers aimed to expedite the recognition process and address their concerns regarding compensation and working conditions. The strike drew attention to the challenges faced by casino employees in securing union representation and highlighted the complexities of labor relations within the gaming industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What prompted the workers at Horseshoe Indianapolis to go on strike?
The workers initiated the strike after the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) postponed their union certification vote due to a federal government shutdown. Seeking immediate union recognition, they maintained a continuous picket line until their union was acknowledged by the employer.
How many workers were involved in the strike at Horseshoe Indianapolis?
Approximately 200 workers, including table game dealers and dual-rate employees who serve as both dealers and floor supervisors, were involved in the strike.
What are the main demands of the workers at Horseshoe Indianapolis?
The workers’ demands included better pay, fairer tip pooling, and increased job security.
What is the significance of the unionization at Horseshoe Indianapolis?
The unionization marks a significant development in labor relations within the gaming industry, highlighting the challenges faced by casino employees in securing union representation and the complexities involved in such processes.
Key Features of the Horseshoe Indianapolis Unionization
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Shelbyville, Indiana |
| Casino Ownership | Caesars Entertainment |
| Number of Workers Involved | Approximately 200 |
| Union Represented | Teamsters Local 135 |
| Strike Duration | Seven weeks |
| Primary Demands | Better pay, fairer tip pooling, increased job security |
| Casino Revenue in 2024 | $336 million |
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