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OBAMA PRESIDENCY
2006,” says Management and small business oppose it,
Pollock. claiming “card check” would stifle democratic voting
Frank and jeopardize many businesses. The AGA board has
Fahrenkopf Jr., directed Fahrenkopf to join with the U.S. Chamber of
president and Commerce and other business groups to defeat
CEO of the “card check”.
American “We have good relations with labor, and treasure
Gaming our alliances. The first year is the toughest. Since
Association Obama wants bipartisanship, if they push for this
(AGA), describes within that time, deep party lines will be drawn,” says
an economic Fahrenkopf.
“double Michael Soll, executive vice president of The
whammy” in Innovation Group consulting firm, predicts that
2008. He says, despite Obama’s support for unions, companies that
“Consumer have held out will continue. He says, “The President
spending is will not tip the scales. Gaming unions are only in a
down, but there few key areas.”
is also a lack of However, Indian tribes may also reject “card check”.
liquidity because John Tahsuda, vice president of Navigators Global, a
companies are so lobbying firm advocating Native American issues,
highly leveraged. They may have refinanced during states tribes oppose “card check”.
the downturn, but banks are not loaning large “They see it as a slow movement to treat tribes like
amounts.” other traditional private businesses rather than
A profitable bottom line depends not only on individual governments. Obama will generate endless
consumer spending, but also on the expenses good will if he exempts tribal employees.” However,
incurred by casino operators. Labor costs are a huge Tahsuda is not optimistic.
expenditure throughout any gaming property. Public perception often blurs Indian and
Organized labor in the US has attempted to commercial casinos. However, each recognized tribe
penetrate casino operations for years. Traditionally has its own sovereignty and regulatory structures,
Democratic, labor unions’ millions of members raised sometimes in opposition of the federal government.
$400 million for Obama’s campaign, and pushed for All attempts to amend the 1988 Indian Gaming
massive voter turnout. Two unions, the Hotel Regulatory Act (IGRA) have failed. Any new push
Employees and Restaurant Employees International would go before North Dakota Democratic Senator
Union (HERE) and Service Employees International Byron Dorgan, chairman of the Senate Committee on
Union (SCIU), were early Obama advocates. Indian Affairs.
While labor unions often overlap between states,
laws affecting them often originate on the state – not
“Gaming is hurting as badly,
federal – level. Frank Catania, a former New Jersey
regulator and president of Catania Consulting Group,
if not worse, than the other
Inc., does not anticipate any impact at all on labor
sectors.”
from Obama’s election.
He says, “Any changes are controlled mostly by Dorgan prefers oversight, and would request
state laws. Whatever labor changes are made federally information before possibly amending IGRA over
will affect all industries…not just gaming. Gaming is several years. Tahsuda also predicts no amendments
hurting as badly, if not worse, than the other sectors.” within at least the first year. The House of
However, one major labor debate is raging. The Representatives also does not rank this a priority issue.
proposed Employee Free Choice Act, also called “card Obama campaigned heavily throughout Indian
check”, would authorize unions – rather than Country, visiting several states with significant tribal
companies, under current law – to gather employee populations. National Indian Gaming Association
votes to unionize by signing cards in place of secret (NIGA) Chairman Ernie Stevens cites record tribal
ballots. Obama voiced his early support, and union election turnout.
leadership wants it introduced in the first 100 days. Tahsuda says in small Indian communities, Obama
Critics fear that workers could face undue pressure pledged increased funding for Indian issues and
to publicly express their intentions. Unions prefer it programs. However, current economic realities may
to eliminate an employer’s knowledge of its activities. nullify Obama’s earlier promises.
Secret ballots often provide businesses months to “Historically, whether Democratic or Republican,
mount their opposition. Indian funding is the first to be cut and the last to be
‘’Card check” also allows an arbitrator to impose a reinstated. Yet, tribal members believe aid should
first contract within 120 days of a union’s formation, reach them first. Seven of America’s 10 poorest
if both parties cannot agree on terms. Current laws counties are on reservations. The millions needed
permit a year, which cancels the unions’ bargaining would not impact the total economic picture,” he says.
rights if no contract is achieved. In Indian Country, symbolism and language have
36 FEBRUARY 2009
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