Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UNITE HERE Members at Ocean Downs Casino Win New Contract

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

UNITE HERE Local 7 members who work at Ocean Downs Casino in Maryland have ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement after nearly a year of negotiations.

In May, members voted decisively to reject management’s so-called final offer. Wages were a core sticking point throughout the months of bargaining sessions. The union members’ unity and courage paid off: The new contract will lift the lowest-paid staff above $18 per hour by October and guarantee all nontipped union employees at least $20 per hour by the contract’s expiration.

“It was a long fight, but I think it was a fight that was worth it,” Local 7 President Tracy Lingo said. “I’m proud those are jobs people can count on year-round for a living wage and benefits….I really feel profoundly proud of our members for voting down that offer and continuing to stand up for what they felt like they deserved.”