An official for the National Labor Relations Board on Wednesday ordered the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut to allow a union election.

Peter Hoffman, a regional director for the NLRB, rejected the tribe's sovereignty defense. He cited NLRB precedent and a federal appeals court decision that applies federal labor law to tribal enterprises, such as casinos.

According to The New London Day's account of the decision, Hoffman said federal labor law “would not significantly impair tribal sovereignty" and that tribal casinos are no different from commercial casinos.

The tribe is likely to appeal the decision to the full NLRB. A court challenge is also possible.

The United Auto Workers union is seeking to organize about 3,000 table game dealers at the Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Get the Story:
Foxwoods union vote is approved (The Norwich Bulletin 10/25)
Foxwoods Union Vote Ordered By Labor Board (The New London Day 10/25)
pwday
Casino Union Vote Nearer (The Hartford Courant 10/25)
pwday