"Compromise is a middle way between two extremes, and in the case of the United Auto Workers and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe it could be a means to an end.

Late last week the UAW and Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Enterprise released a joint statement saying the two sides had agreed to enter into discussions for 30 days to determine if an agreement can be reached to bargain a labor pact for casino poker and table-game dealers under tribal law without either party waiving any of their rights or legal positions under the National Labor Relations Act.

That is good news.

The two sides have been at odds since last November when the dealers voted decisively to organize as a UAW union. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, which owns and operates Foxwoods Resort Casino where the dealers are employed, rejected the notion, contending it is a sovereign nation and that the National Labor Relations Act does not apply to tribal employees. Instead, the Mashantuckets suggested bargaining under tribal labor law, which mirrors federal law in many respects. The primary difference is that tribal law does not allow a right to strike and instead offers binding arbitration to settle contractual disputes.

Until Friday, the UAW rejected that offer, but apparently, something has changed. The announcement that the two sides will engage in discussions for 30 days to determine if they can negotiate under tribal law is a positive sign.

At least they are talking. And the discussions could prove fruitful without undermining either side, since both parties agreed not to waive any of their rights or legal positions."

Get the Story:
Editorial: A Critical First Step (The New London Day 10/14)
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