Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct Race Track in Queens, NY, has been ordered to double the average wages of 1375 workers at the casino after the Hotel Trades Council (the workers' union) presented its case for significant increases to an arbitrator and hit the jackpot. From an average wage of $10/hour, the new average will be $20.50/hour.
More on this terrific outcome for American Labor below the squiggly.
For more than a year the Hotel Trades Council struggled with the owner of Aqueduct's slots parlor -- the highest grossing slot machine parlor in the US. Representing cashiers, attendants, waiters, security guards and other low-paid personnel the union reached a stalemate and sought arbitration. A new contract was ordered. The Union won a three year contract with increases over the $20.50/hour new average to come each year of the contract.
According to the NY Times http://www.nytimes.com/...
In making his decision, the arbitrator selected by both sides, Elliott D. Shriftman, considered the success of the business, the paycheck necessary for full-time workers to sustain themselves, their spouses and their children without government assistance, and the company’s ability to pay.
Imagine that? Full time workers paid enough to sustain themselves and their families without government assistance! The criteria used by this arbitrator makes all the sense in the world, of course, and should be standard fare for all employers of low-wage workers. This result is a tribute to the Union, of course, and should set a standard not only for other unions of low-wage workers, but also for low-wage workers themselves. Organize!