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Teamsters Strike Affects Caesars Southern Indiana

The workers at Caesars Southern Indiana have gone on strike following unsuccessful negotiations regarding benefits. Over 140 unionized workers, represented by Teamsters Local 89, are currently on strike.

Written by Casino House Group Editorial Team

Published on April 22, 2025

Summary

The workers at Caesars Southern Indiana have gone on strike following unsuccessful negotiations regarding benefits.
Over 140 unionized workers, represented by Teamsters Local 89, are currently on strike.
Avral Thompson, the President of Teamsters Local 89, stated that employees should be acknowledged for their role in making the property profitable.

Over 100 unionized employees at a well-known hotel and casino resort in Indiana have gone on strike, following unsuccessful negotiations for improved benefits. Earlier this week, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents 1.3 million workers across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, confirmed the strike.

Failed negotiations result in a strike

According to the latest announcement, over 140 union workers at Caesars Southern Indiana Hotel and Casino have gone on strike, led by Teamsters Local 89. The union reports that this popular land-based casino and hotel generated $240 million in revenue in 2024, ranking it among the most profitable casinos in the state. However, Caesars Southern Indiana has failed to offer a fair contract that matches the property's record-breaking profits, the union stated in a press release. This strike follows months of intense negotiations. Despite this, Teamsters Local 89 claims that the venue continues to reject reasonable proposals on retirement and other critical economic issues. Fred Zuckerman, General Secretary-Treasurer of the Teamsters, commented that the venue made a serious miscalculation by pushing unionized workers to strike. The Teamsters won't back down. Our members are united, and we will not stop until they receive what they deserve. This strike is a direct consequence of corporate greed and indifference, Zuckerman added.

Unionized workers are prepared to do "whatever it takes" to receive much-deserved benefits

Heather Emily, a cage cashier at Caesars Southern Indiana, stated that unsuccessful negotiations for better benefits have prompted the workers to go on strike. We're simply asking for the chance to support our families and retire with dignity. This property earns more than enough to treat us fairly, she said. Avral Thompson, President of Teamsters Local 89, criticized the hotel's management for their greed and blatant disrespect. He emphasized that it's time for those who contribute to the hotel's profitability to be acknowledged for their hard work and dedication. Thompson further explained that the striking employees are willing to do whatever it takes to secure what our members deserve. Caesars Southern Indiana has been operational since 1998, spanning almost three decades. The property is now managed by EBCI Holdings, belonging to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.