The Cowlitz Tribe of Washington signed an agreement to use union labor for the construction of its proposed casino.

The agreement with the Columbia-Pacific Building and Construction Trades Council ensures that local people get the work, Chairman John Barnett said. About 4,000 jobs will be created during the construction of the $510 million casino-hotel complex.

The tribe is waiting for approval to build the casino on 152 acres. Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the tribe is entitled to seek an initial reservation because it is recently gained federal recognition.

Get the Story:
Tribe OKs union pact for casino (The Longview Daily News 12/7)
Tribe agrees to use union construction labor (The Columbian 12/6)