Employees at the casino owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation's casino don't need a union because they already receive excellent benefits, a top executive said.

John O'Brien, president and CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino, said the tribe pays for 92 percent of medical costs for employees, compared to less than 80 percent paid at other casinos. Drug costs are better than the industry average, he said.

But employees who want to unionize said their benefits package has changed dramatically over the years. They are paying more health and more prescription costs.

The United Auto Workers wants to organize 3,500 gaming employees at Foxwoods, which has 10,000 employees. The union has filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging intimidation by tribal and casino officials.

Get the Story:
Foxwoods CEO says workers don't need union to get excellent benefits (The Norwich Bulletin 8/30)
Foxwoods leader says focus on nongaming experience (The Norwich Bulletin 8/30)