MGM Springfield Workers Ratify First Union Contract 

SPRINGFIELD, MA – Workers at MGM Springfield overwhelmingly ratified their first union contract, a four-year deal covering nearly 700 workers who work as cocktail servers, guest room attendants, bartenders, cooks, valet drivers, and other hospitality positions at the resort casino.

By the end of the contract workers will see an average 19% increase to their wages with some workers seeing their wages increase by almost 40%. Workers will continue to benefit from high quality health insurance and will not pay any increase in their contributions for the duration of the contract. The Company will begin contributing to a defined benefit pension plan on behalf of each employee in the third year of the agreement, a benefit almost unheard of in the area hospitality industry.

“We’re extremely pleased to have won such a momentous first contract for workers at MGM Springfield,” said Warren Pepicelli, Manager of the New England Joint Board UNITE HERE which represents servers, bartenders, housekeepers and other hospitality workers. “This is a strong first step towards setting a standard in the gaming industry in Massachusetts.”

Frank A. Rossi, President and Principal Officer of Teamster Local 404 which represents warehouse, valet, front desk workers and others stated “The best way to rebuild the middle class is through strong union contracts that strengthen our communities.”

“With this union contract I feel relieved that my job and benefits will be protected so that I’ll be able to provide for my family,” said Laurie Andrews-Johnson, a Guest Service Representative in the Slots Department. “Now I know I have a voice at work with guaranteed wage increases, retirement security, and high-quality benefits.

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About the New England Joint Board UNITE HERE The New England Joint Board is a union representing 10,000 workers throughout New England and New York who work in the textile, garment, manufacturing, distribution, laundry, human service, and hospitality industries. The New England Joint Board is an affiliate of UNITE HERE International Union. For more information, visit www.nejb.us.

About Teamsters Local 404 Teamsters Local 404 is a union representing 1,500 workers in distribution, public sector, trucking, and manufacturing to name a few in the Western Massachusetts area. Local 404 is an affiliate of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. For more information, visit www.teamsters404.com