Teamsters Union Sues Shelbyville Over Casino Strike Rights Violation

BREAKING: The labor dispute at Horseshoe Indianapolis casino has escalated into a federal lawsuit as Teamsters Local 135 takes action against Shelbyville officials, claiming a violation of workers’ rights. The lawsuit, filed on November 6, 2023, in the US District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, alleges that city officials unlawfully forced union members to relocate their picket line away from the casino.

This urgent legal battle centers on the Teamsters’ assertion that their protest occurred on public easements and was protected under the First Amendment and the National Labor Relations Act. Approximately 200 workers, including dealers and dual-rate employees, have been striking since mid-October, demanding recognition from Caesars Entertainment, the casino’s parent company, amid stalled negotiations.

The union’s grievances include calls for better pay, enhanced short-term disability coverage, and safer parking areas. Union leaders maintain that workers were set to vote on forming a bargaining unit on October 17, but a federal government shutdown disrupted National Labor Relations Board elections nationwide. Attempts to use a neutral third party to oversee the vote were rejected by Caesars, prompting the strike.

The lawsuit alleges that Shelbyville police, acting at the casino management’s request, intervened on November 5, demanding that protesters leave the area. Teamsters officials report that police threatened their president, Dustin Roach, with possible trespassing charges, further escalating tensions.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the lawsuit, titled Teamsters Local Union No. 135 v. City of Shelbyville Indiana, could set critical precedents regarding public protests near private property and the extent of city officials’ involvement in labor disputes. Meanwhile, strikers continue to demonstrate peacefully across the street, vowing to persist “one day longer, one day stronger” until their rights are recognized.

In a show of solidarity, over a hundred strikers attended a recent city council meeting, demanding accountability from local leaders. The police department has yet to provide a statement, indicating that investigations into the matter are ongoing.

With the stakes high for both workers and city officials, this developing story highlights the significant impact on labor rights in Shelbyville and beyond, urging readers to stay tuned for updates on this critical issue.