ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – The ‘best bet for Rockford’ is how some city leaders and community allies describe unions, specifically for the workers at the Hard Rock Casino Rockford.
Charles Whitmore helps set up concerts at the Hard Rock Casino Rockford.
“It was built by union tradespeople. The inside ought to be run by different unions as well,” says Whitmore. “They have me ushering as well. That’s a little out of my league, but I can do it. That’s what we are here for.”
He is one of roughly 60 people standing outside the casino Friday afternoon rallying for respect.
Union leaders say hard rock wages are down 25% and workers don’t get holidays but will get in trouble if they miss one.
“It’s not minimum wage here, but it’s less than what we are making at the BMO and Coronado, so we need to make that more equitable. It also helps get other workers in too,” says Whitmore.
On Tuesday, Hard Rock valet drivers and warehouse workers voted overwhelmingly to join the teamsters calling on the casino to end what it calls an ‘anti-union’ campaign.
In a statement to WIFR, Casino President Geno Iafrate says:
“We respect their right to unionize, evident in the project labor agreement we had in place during construction and our ongoing negotiations. We believe in building strong partnerships, both with our team and the broader community, and we look forward to watching our band grow as the casino grows.”
UAW Local 1268 President Matt Frantzen says, “If we have a good time, it’s because the people that are working there, the workers are not asking for a ton of money, just a respectable wage.”
Iafrate adds in a statement, “Our team members are the heartbeat creating authentic experiences that rock for our guests as they enjoy the casino’s gaming, dining, and entertainment options.”
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