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Indiana's Blue Chip Casino employees join Teamsters
Seeking higher pay and better benefits, 22 workers from Boyd Gaming's Blue Chip Casino have unionized under Teamsters.
Employees at Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa in Michigan City, Indiana, have voted to join Teamsters Local 135. Consisting of 22 slot attendants and dual rates, this group is the first to unionize under Boyd Gaming, owner of 27 casinos across 10 states.
Employee demands lead to union vote
As reported by Indiana's WBIW Radio, the workers in question joined Teamsters to secure better pay, improved working conditions, and stronger benefits. On June 23, they marched on their boss and demanded union representation.
Dustin Roach, President of Teamsters Local 135, spoke about how his chapter plans to help its newest members from Blue Chip Casino.
"This group demonstrated their unity and determination from the very start of this campaign," said Roach. "Now it's time for the company to meet us at the bargaining table without delay. We are going to negotiate a fair first contract and hold this company accountable every step of the way."
Candace Todd, a Blue Chip slot attendant and new member of Local 135, spoke with WBIW about what the workers overcame to join Teamsters.
"With a little bit of courage and a lot of heart, we were able to make our voices heard," she explained. "The company hired a union buster, held meetings, and tried to intimidate us, but they didn't stand a chance. Nothing could break our solidarity."
Teamsters adds to its casino membership base
The 22 Blue Chip employees join over 6,000 other Teamsters from casino resorts. They also join more than 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico who are represented by this union.
"Teamsters continue to make their presence known in the casino industry," said Tommy Blitsch, director of the union's casino division. "We don't shy away from organizing at any company or state. This group paves the way and sends a message to other casinos worldwide."
About Boyd Gaming
Headquartered in Paradise, Nevada, Boyd Gaming traces its roots back to 1941, when founder Sam Boyd arrived in Las Vegas. It formed as a corporation in 1975 and now operates over two dozen properties across the U.S.
Boyd entered the iGaming industry after acquiring Pala Interactive for $170 million in 2022. It has since launched Pennsylvania and New Jersey online casinos under the Stardust brand.
The company isn't able to offer online casino games for real money in Indiana, where Blue Chip is based. The Hoosier State has yet to legalize casino apps, with 2025 being the last time an iGaming bill was introduced.
That said, Boyd primarily makes its revenue through land-based gambling since real money online slots aren't available in most states where it operates.
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Written by Jeremy Olson
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