In 2018, Penn National Gaming, Inc, began operating Ameristar Casino, East Chicago. Penn National and UNITE HERE have successfully reached union contracts at other Penn National-operated casinos, including Hollywood Casino in Joliet, IL. Call Penn National at (610) 373-2400 and tell them to settle a fair contract with Ameristar Casino East Chicago workers.
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/DSC_2541-e1546971270967.jpg31533745admin/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgadmin2019-01-08 10:04:032019-01-08 12:15:22Penn National can settle a union contract at Ameristar Casino
Earlier this year Northern Indiana Area Labor Federation (formerly Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor) welcomed Dennis McCafferty as its new President. McCafferty reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to the Ameristar Boycott by sending the following letter to the General Manager of Ameristar, Matt Schuffert. Thank you, McCafferty!
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/legalized-square-union-pride1.jpg719719swyatt/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgswyatt2018-10-16 12:11:432018-10-16 12:11:43New NIALF President Affirms Commitment to Boycott
We’re out here talking to Ameristar customers, asking them to boycott! If you see us fliering the Ameristar bus in Chinatown, come say “hi” and show your support!
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/Chinatown-Bustop.jpg9601280swyatt/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgswyatt2018-08-21 10:01:132018-08-21 10:01:13Chinatown Bus Stop
UNITE HERE Local 1 analyzed East Chicago Police and Fire Department records of calls seeking help at Ameristar Casino. We found that 237 calls seeking help at Ameristar were made during a one-year period from Sept. 1, 2016 to Sept. 1, 2017. The records showed: 42 calls for “medical assistance” 23 reports of a “disturbance“ […]
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/Ameristar-police-fire-1.jpg6281200admin/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgadmin2018-06-25 17:27:022018-06-25 17:27:02Information on calls seeking help at Ameristar Casino
On Tuesday April 10, 2018, Donna Calhoun, a UNITE HERE Local 1 member and employee at Hollywood Casino Joliet, spoke at a membership meeting of AFT Local 943, the Southwest Suburban Federation of Teachers, about the boycott of Ameristar Casino, East Chicago. Several Local 943 members self-identified as casino customers and pledged to boycott Ameristar […]
Former Ameristar customer and current East Chicago business owner Dwayne Rancifer Jr supports the Ameristar workers! Thursday March 8th, UNITE HERE Local 1 members, Brian Short and Steven Wyatt, visited Rancifer Jr at a restaurant he and his father operate, R & R Carribean Jerk in East Chicago. After explaining that Pinnacle Entertainment […]
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/legalized-square-union-pride1.jpg719719swyatt/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgswyatt2018-03-12 13:45:542018-03-12 13:45:54Thank you Dwayne Rancifer Jr
Do you take the free shuttle to Ameristar Casino? Just because you are boycotting Ameristar does not mean you can’t enjoy casinos with good union contracts and union healthcare! Did you know you can take free rides to other casinos which have agreed to fair union contracts for their employees? According to the Majestic Star […]
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/bus-thumbnail.jpg256320swyatt/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgswyatt2017-11-17 14:27:552017-11-17 14:27:55Free Shuttles to Union Casinos
On October 24th , 2017 UNITE HERE Local 1 urged the current alderman of Oak Forest, Illinois at the City Council meeting to reach out to the city’s former Mayor, James Malecky, and ask him to boycott Ameristar Casino. Below is a copy of what Local 1 said: Malecky has been a regular customer […]
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/legalized-square-union-pride1.jpg719719swyatt/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgswyatt2017-10-30 09:58:072017-11-02 11:32:09Former Oak Forest, IL Mayor Malecky and Rockin Horse Saloon
/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpg00admin/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgadmin2017-07-29 11:08:462017-07-29 11:08:46Local 1 is SEEKING ACQUAINTANCES OF BOYCOTT VIOLATORS!
On May 24, 2017, members of UNITE HERE Local 1 held a banner outside Ameristar Casino. The banner read “Tell Bryan Chiappetti to boycott Ameristar Casino.” While UNITE HERE Local 1 members were outside Ameristar Casino on public property, the water sprinkler system was turned on. Local 1 members were not deterred and stood their […]
In April 2017, Northwest Indiana Casino workers picketed outside Ameristar Casino with signs urging customers to boycott Ameristar and “Tell Mike Pegoraro to Boycott Ameristar Casino.”…
The Heartland Poker Tour is a high profile event for Ameristar East Chicago. Before you consider playing in the tour, you should know that the servers, bar staff, and housekeepers at Ameristar Casino have called for a boycott of the casino because the casino has not settled a contract with them since 2013. Now Ameristar […]
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/hpt-image-crop.jpg167164admin/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgadmin2017-04-19 10:56:082017-04-19 10:56:08Open letter to individuals looking to play in the Heartland Poker Tour at Ameristar, East Chicago:
Bryan Chiappetti has been a regular customer at Ameristar Casino and has not yet committed to boycotting the casino. Recently, members of UNITE HERE passed out fliers to customers at Chicagoland grocery stores which sell Chiappetti Meats about the labor dispute at Ameristar and Mr. Chiappetti’s involvement.
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/chiappetti-meats-image.jpg329419admin/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgadmin2017-03-23 09:51:052017-03-23 09:51:05Union distributes fliers about Bryan Chiappatti at local grocery stores
UPDATE: Last year Ameristar appealed a trial court decision in which it lost against UNITE HERE Local 1. That appeal has now been “dismissed without prejudice.” You may remember the lawsuit. Ameristar filed the suit against Local 1 in connection with our communications with regular customers of Ameristar to let them know that Ameristar […]
UNITE HERE Local 1 and the workers at Ameristar Casino would like the thank the following local business for endorsing the boycott: Alberto A Jimenez MD, East Chicago, IN Ana’s Beauty Salon, Whiting, IN Big Mama’s, Whiting, IN Clipper Tavern, Whiting, IN Daily Care Salon, East Chicago, IN Grillers, […]
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/legalized-square-union-pride1.jpg719719swyatt/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgswyatt2016-04-22 10:45:172016-04-22 10:47:44More than A Dozen New Endorsements
Today, the United Steelworkers REJECTED Ameristar Casino’s promotional discount in its sports bar for employees of U.S. Steel, ArcelorMittal, and BP. The Steelworkers have long stood side by side with the women and men of Local 1[…]
/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpg00admin/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgadmin2016-03-25 14:50:062016-03-25 14:50:06PRESS RELEASE: Federal Government alleges more than 20 violations of labor law against Pinnacle’s Ameristar Casino in East Chicago
Recently, UNITE HERE Local 1 members contacted several customers of Ameristar Casino to encourage them to support the boycott the workers at Ameristar have called. Pinnacle Entertainment posted this flier for their employees to see. Our members will continue the fight for a fair contract at Ameristar Casino by exercising our First Amendment […]
Community members show support for two local Portage residents, Tim and Jessica Fisch. Tim Fisch was diagnosed with cancer last October. He and his wife, Jessica Fisch, are long-time residents of Northwest Indiana and will struggle to pay medical bills. Tim and Jessica currently have health insurance through Jessica’s employer, Ameristar Casino. Tim […]
Management and union members at Hollywood Casino in Joliet, IL and Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, IN have agreed to union contracts that keep the union health insurance plan which Ameristar Casino refuses to provide. November 24th, 2015, union members at Hollywood Casino voted on and successfully ratified a 4 year contract which […]
In 2008, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) suspended Dr. Larry Kinoshita DDS’s dental license for failure to file and/or pay his Illinois state income taxes. As of now, Dr. Kinoshita does not have a valid controlled substance license listed on the IDFPR website. Enclosed you will find a copy of a […]
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/Letters-with-Larry.jpg599669swyatt/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgswyatt2016-01-08 14:39:472016-01-08 14:40:34Letters with Larry: Part 2
In May of 2015, Ameristar Casino cut the union family health insurance plan for the members of UNITE HERE Local 1, including cocktail server and longtime union leader Jessica Fisch. Only months later, in October, Jessica’s husband, Tim, was diagnosed with cancer. Now they are struggling to pay for the medical costs. Come help […]
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/Fish-Image-e1451513448339.jpg235290swyatt/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgswyatt2015-12-30 16:00:142016-01-08 14:49:59Fundraiser for the Fisch's
A National Labor Relations Board unfair labor practice charge filed by Dr. Larry Kinoshita, DDS, against UNITE HERE Local 1 has been withdrawn. Dr. Kinoshita refused to use his consumer power to help the people who serve him regularly at Ameristar Casino, East Chicago, keep the affordable family health insurance plan they have had for […]
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/Letters-with-Larry.jpg599669swyatt/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgswyatt2015-12-03 10:07:462015-12-03 11:34:40Letters with Larry
UPDATE: Ameristar Casino is appealing the court case they lost against UNITE HERE Local 1. This is more evidence that it is willing to spend money on high-priced Chicago lawyers that it won’t spend on health-care for its workers. You may have heard about the lawsuit that Ameristar filed against Local 1 in […]
At Majestic Casino, the baccarat tables are on the FIRST floor. At Blue Chip Casino, the baccarat tables are on the FIRST floor. At Ameristar Casino, baccarat is on the FOURTH floor[…]
/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpg00admin/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgadmin2015-08-25 12:24:442015-08-25 12:24:44Ameristar lawsuit against union dismissed (Post-Tribune)
You may have heard about the lawsuit that Ameristar filed against UNITE HERE Local 1 in connection with our communications with you and other regular customers of Ameristar. We are pleased to report that the lawsuit, which was filed in Lake County Superior Court, was dismissed […]
Ameristar East Chicago has closed its poker room as of July 1, 2015. The poker room was just reopened in the summer of 2014 after $400,000 in renovations. Below is the text of a letter […]
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/jpg-of-7.10-HPT-letter1.jpg1132815admin/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgadmin2015-07-17 10:06:282015-07-17 10:07:05Ameristar Poker Room Closes—Heartland Poker Tour to be played in Ballroom in August
A history lesson brought to you by Local 1, UNITE HERE, the hardworking men and women who are your bartenders, servers, bussers, and cleaners at Northwest Indiana Casinos.
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/flag-pic.jpg5995admin/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgadmin2015-07-02 15:28:112015-07-02 15:28:11Boycott! An American Tradition
Union leaders and hundreds of union members from across the country converged outside the Ameristar Casino grounds on June 23rd, to sound support for the ongoing boycott […]
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/legalized-square-union-pride.jpg719719admin/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgadmin2015-06-17 16:58:572015-06-17 16:59:48Save the date for the Ameristar Boycott National Rally - June 23
The union representing casino workers at three of Northwest Indiana’s casinos has created a website in an effort to engage the public in the union’s dispute with Ameristar Casino of East Chicago. […]
Leaders from all four Indiana and Illinois casinos which are represented by Unite Here Local 1 met Tuesday June 2nd to review where we are in casino organizing and how Local 1 casinos are going to grow power in the Chicagoland casino industry in 2015! […]
At the weekly pickets of the casino, workers have been asking guests driving up to the casino on Cline Avenue to turn around and take their business elsewhere.
Friday the 15th of May saw the first of the Ameristar Boycott’s weekly Friday actions as we continue to fight for a fair contract that includes our union health insurance. Ameristar workers were joined by members of UNITE HERE and other Northwest Indiana unions. […]
After Ameristar workers reached out to their community asking for a boycott of the casino, customers began to respond—saying they wouldn’t be back until a fair contract was settled. Two former customers share why they are boycotting […]
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/olga-pic.png309265admin/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgadmin2015-05-14 01:50:302015-06-01 18:55:50Former Customers Speak Up For Ameristar Workers
Ameristar buffet server, Dawn Silvas, addressed the East Chicago City Council at their meeting on May 11, 2015. After the meeting, Dawn and other Ameristar workers spoke with many city councilors and members of the public […]
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/5.11-EC-city-council.jpg547820admin/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgadmin2015-05-12 11:25:422015-06-03 08:38:53Ameristar Workers Attend East Chicago City Council
Starting May 1st, Ameristar stripped union casino workers of the affordable family health insurance plan they have had for years. Instead, they are being left with Pinnacle Entertainment’s health insurance plan. While enrolling, workers are sending the following letter to Anthony Sanfilippo, CEO of Pinnacle. The message is clear: Ameristar workers will continue to fight, […]
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/enrollment-action-image.png437759admin/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgadmin2015-05-03 11:34:332015-05-10 12:20:57Ameristar Worker’s message on health insurance enrollment
Dozens of hearty souls braved the cold, rain and wind on Saturday April 25th to picket outside Ameristar. Casino workers were joined by union brothers and sisters from the striking BP Oil Workers, the Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor, and downtown Chicago hotels. The servers, bartenders, cleaners, and bussers of the casino are protesting the […]
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/4.25-action-photo.jpg261675admin/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgadmin2015-04-27 11:35:482015-05-10 11:50:54Picket at Ameristar
On April 17 Jessica Levin, a 6-year bartender and shop steward at Ameristar, was fired for calling customers about the boycott. Hundreds of people have declared their support for Jessica by sharing her story on social media. You can share it too! Click here to share the image on your own Facebook page.
Ameristar workers and allies picketed on April 10th at the casino. Casino servers, bussers and cleaners asked guests driving up to the casino to turn around and go to Majestic Star or Blue Chip, where workers have a fair contract. Cars also were invited to pull over to talk to Ameristar workers. Workers shared with […]
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/4.10-action-photo.jpg640960admin/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgadmin2015-04-11 11:41:272015-05-12 12:11:02Picket at Ameristar
The Ameristar worker organizing committee wants to make sure their customers know to stay away from the casino until a fair contract is settled. We are reaching out to their longtime customers through letters, postcards, and phone calls to tell them […]
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/USE-ndb-intro-letter-jpg.png6591127admin/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgadmin2015-03-28 18:38:282015-06-01 18:50:05Ameristar Workers Reach Out To Customers About Labor Dispute
(Casino News Daily) UNITE HERE, the labor union that is representing employees of Ameristar Casino, has been making the headlines recently mainly because of the protests organized against the idea of Ameristar executives to cut down on employees’ health insurance plan.
/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpg00admin/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgadmin2015-03-23 12:13:082015-06-01 12:58:05UNITE HERE Representative Comments on the Campaign Against Ameristar (Casino News Daily)
Representatives of UNITE HERE, the labor union representing Ameristar Casino employees, described their campaign against the casino during the most recent Labor Cafe discussion sponsored by the Higgins Labor Program
On March 19, Jessica Levin, a bartender at Ameristar and union shop steward, addressed the Indiana Gaming Commission, alerting them to the boycott she and her coworkers called earlier that month. Click here to read the testimony.
On March 19, workers from Ameristar, East Chicago, were joined by their union brothers and sisters in Indianapolis on a day of lobbying their legislators about House Bill 1540, which addresses gaming in the state. We delivered a letter, which you can read below, to several of our legislators and sponsors and authors of the […]
/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpg00admin/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgadmin2015-03-19 12:03:582015-05-10 12:05:34Northwest Indiana Casino Workers Lobby in Indianapolis
On March 4th, workers from East Chicago’s Ameristar Casino launched an official boycott of Ameristar. Servers, bussers and cleaners are asking customers not to spend a penny at Ameristar until the casino settles a union contract that maintains workers’ affordable family health insurance plan that they have had for years. Ameristar Casino is owned by […]
https://www.indianagamingalert.org/wp-content/uploads/boycott-launch-photo.jpg637960admin/wp-content/uploads/indianagamingalertbanner2.jpgadmin2015-03-05 12:06:052017-04-20 15:24:33Union Workers at Ameristar Launch Boycott of Casino
(Northwest Indiana Times) Ameristar Casino employees represented by Unite Here Local 1 rally Wednesday for preservation of their health benefits and call for a boycott of the casino at the casino in East Chicago.
(Chicago Tribune) Union employees at Ameristar Casino are urging patrons to boycott the East Chicago boat until they reach a contract settlement with owner Pinnacle Entertainment Inc. that includes retention of their current health insurance plan.
Penn National can settle a union contract at Ameristar Casino
/in Updates /by adminIn 2018, Penn National Gaming, Inc, began operating Ameristar Casino, East Chicago. Penn National and UNITE HERE have successfully reached union contracts at other Penn National-operated casinos, including Hollywood Casino in Joliet, IL. Call Penn National at (610) 373-2400 and tell them to settle a fair contract with Ameristar Casino East Chicago workers.
New NIALF President Affirms Commitment to Boycott
/in Updates /by swyattEarlier this year Northern Indiana Area Labor Federation (formerly Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor) welcomed Dennis McCafferty as its new President. McCafferty reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to the Ameristar Boycott by sending the following letter to the General Manager of Ameristar, Matt Schuffert. Thank you, McCafferty!
Chinatown Bus Stop
/in Updates /by swyattWe’re out here talking to Ameristar customers, asking them to boycott! If you see us fliering the Ameristar bus in Chinatown, come say “hi” and show your support!
Information on calls seeking help at Ameristar Casino
/in Updates /by adminUNITE HERE Local 1 analyzed East Chicago Police and Fire Department records of calls seeking help at Ameristar Casino. We found that 237 calls seeking help at Ameristar were made during a one-year period from Sept. 1, 2016 to Sept. 1, 2017. The records showed: 42 calls for “medical assistance” 23 reports of a “disturbance“ […]
AFT 943 – Thank You!
/in Updates /by swyattOn Tuesday April 10, 2018, Donna Calhoun, a UNITE HERE Local 1 member and employee at Hollywood Casino Joliet, spoke at a membership meeting of AFT Local 943, the Southwest Suburban Federation of Teachers, about the boycott of Ameristar Casino, East Chicago. Several Local 943 members self-identified as casino customers and pledged to boycott Ameristar […]
Thank you Dwayne Rancifer Jr
/in Updates /by swyattFormer Ameristar customer and current East Chicago business owner Dwayne Rancifer Jr supports the Ameristar workers! Thursday March 8th, UNITE HERE Local 1 members, Brian Short and Steven Wyatt, visited Rancifer Jr at a restaurant he and his father operate, R & R Carribean Jerk in East Chicago. After explaining that Pinnacle Entertainment […]
Free Shuttles to Union Casinos
/in Updates /by swyattDo you take the free shuttle to Ameristar Casino? Just because you are boycotting Ameristar does not mean you can’t enjoy casinos with good union contracts and union healthcare! Did you know you can take free rides to other casinos which have agreed to fair union contracts for their employees? According to the Majestic Star […]
Former Oak Forest, IL Mayor Malecky and Rockin Horse Saloon
/in Updates /by swyattOn October 24th , 2017 UNITE HERE Local 1 urged the current alderman of Oak Forest, Illinois at the City Council meeting to reach out to the city’s former Mayor, James Malecky, and ask him to boycott Ameristar Casino. Below is a copy of what Local 1 said: Malecky has been a regular customer […]
Local 1 is SEEKING ACQUAINTANCES OF BOYCOTT VIOLATORS!
/in Updates /by adminLocal 1 has begun reaching out on Facebook to people who people who have not yet pledged to boycott Ameristar until a union fair contract is settled…
Will Bryan Chiappetti Boycott Ameristar?
/in Updates /by adminOn May 24, 2017, members of UNITE HERE Local 1 held a banner outside Ameristar Casino. The banner read “Tell Bryan Chiappetti to boycott Ameristar Casino.” While UNITE HERE Local 1 members were outside Ameristar Casino on public property, the water sprinkler system was turned on. Local 1 members were not deterred and stood their […]
Casino Workers Picket on Pegoraro
/in Updates /by adminIn April 2017, Northwest Indiana Casino workers picketed outside Ameristar Casino with signs urging customers to boycott Ameristar and “Tell Mike Pegoraro to Boycott Ameristar Casino.”…
Open letter to individuals looking to play in the Heartland Poker Tour at Ameristar, East Chicago:
/in Updates /by adminThe Heartland Poker Tour is a high profile event for Ameristar East Chicago. Before you consider playing in the tour, you should know that the servers, bar staff, and housekeepers at Ameristar Casino have called for a boycott of the casino because the casino has not settled a contract with them since 2013. Now Ameristar […]
Union distributes fliers about Bryan Chiappatti at local grocery stores
/in Updates /by adminBryan Chiappetti has been a regular customer at Ameristar Casino and has not yet committed to boycotting the casino. Recently, members of UNITE HERE passed out fliers to customers at Chicagoland grocery stores which sell Chiappetti Meats about the labor dispute at Ameristar and Mr. Chiappetti’s involvement.
Legal Update: Ameristar’s Appeal “Dismissed Without Prejudice”
/in Updates /by swyattUPDATE: Last year Ameristar appealed a trial court decision in which it lost against UNITE HERE Local 1. That appeal has now been “dismissed without prejudice.” You may remember the lawsuit. Ameristar filed the suit against Local 1 in connection with our communications with regular customers of Ameristar to let them know that Ameristar […]
More than A Dozen New Endorsements
/in Updates /by swyattUNITE HERE Local 1 and the workers at Ameristar Casino would like the thank the following local business for endorsing the boycott: Alberto A Jimenez MD, East Chicago, IN Ana’s Beauty Salon, Whiting, IN Big Mama’s, Whiting, IN Clipper Tavern, Whiting, IN Daily Care Salon, East Chicago, IN Grillers, […]
PRESS RELEASE: United Steelworkers Reject Ameristar Discount Offer
/in News /by adminUnited Steelworkers Reject Ameristar Discount Offer
/in Updates /by adminToday, the United Steelworkers REJECTED Ameristar Casino’s promotional discount in its sports bar for employees of U.S. Steel, ArcelorMittal, and BP. The Steelworkers have long stood side by side with the women and men of Local 1[…]
NLRB allegations target Ameristar Casino (Post-Tribune)
/in News /by adminPRESS RELEASE: Federal Government alleges more than 20 violations of labor law against Pinnacle’s Ameristar Casino in East Chicago
/in News /by adminPinnacle’s Response
/in Updates /by swyattRecently, UNITE HERE Local 1 members contacted several customers of Ameristar Casino to encourage them to support the boycott the workers at Ameristar have called. Pinnacle Entertainment posted this flier for their employees to see. Our members will continue the fight for a fair contract at Ameristar Casino by exercising our First Amendment […]
SUCCESS!!! Fisch Fundraiser
/in Updates /by swyattCommunity members show support for two local Portage residents, Tim and Jessica Fisch. Tim Fisch was diagnosed with cancer last October. He and his wife, Jessica Fisch, are long-time residents of Northwest Indiana and will struggle to pay medical bills. Tim and Jessica currently have health insurance through Jessica’s employer, Ameristar Casino. Tim […]
Contract Victories – Maintain Healthcare Coverage
/in Updates /by swyattManagement and union members at Hollywood Casino in Joliet, IL and Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, IN have agreed to union contracts that keep the union health insurance plan which Ameristar Casino refuses to provide. November 24th, 2015, union members at Hollywood Casino voted on and successfully ratified a 4 year contract which […]
Letters with Larry: Part 2
/in Updates /by swyattIn 2008, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) suspended Dr. Larry Kinoshita DDS’s dental license for failure to file and/or pay his Illinois state income taxes. As of now, Dr. Kinoshita does not have a valid controlled substance license listed on the IDFPR website. Enclosed you will find a copy of a […]
Fundraiser for the Fisch’s
/in Updates /by swyattIn May of 2015, Ameristar Casino cut the union family health insurance plan for the members of UNITE HERE Local 1, including cocktail server and longtime union leader Jessica Fisch. Only months later, in October, Jessica’s husband, Tim, was diagnosed with cancer. Now they are struggling to pay for the medical costs. Come help […]
Letters with Larry
/in Updates /by swyattA National Labor Relations Board unfair labor practice charge filed by Dr. Larry Kinoshita, DDS, against UNITE HERE Local 1 has been withdrawn. Dr. Kinoshita refused to use his consumer power to help the people who serve him regularly at Ameristar Casino, East Chicago, keep the affordable family health insurance plan they have had for […]
Legal Update: Ameristar Appeals
/in Updates /by swyattUPDATE: Ameristar Casino is appealing the court case they lost against UNITE HERE Local 1. This is more evidence that it is willing to spend money on high-priced Chicago lawyers that it won’t spend on health-care for its workers. You may have heard about the lawsuit that Ameristar filed against Local 1 in […]
Make the lucky choice. Boycott Ameristar!
/in Updates /by adminAt Majestic Casino, the baccarat tables are on the FIRST floor. At Blue Chip Casino, the baccarat tables are on the FIRST floor. At Ameristar Casino, baccarat is on the FOURTH floor[…]
Ameristar lawsuit against union dismissed (Post-Tribune)
/in News /by adminImportant Legal Victory in Ameristar Boycott
/in Updates /by adminYou may have heard about the lawsuit that Ameristar filed against UNITE HERE Local 1 in connection with our communications with you and other regular customers of Ameristar. We are pleased to report that the lawsuit, which was filed in Lake County Superior Court, was dismissed […]
Ameristar Poker Room Closes—Heartland Poker Tour to be played in Ballroom in August
/in Updates /by adminAmeristar East Chicago has closed its poker room as of July 1, 2015. The poker room was just reopened in the summer of 2014 after $400,000 in renovations. Below is the text of a letter […]
Boycott! An American Tradition
/in Updates /by adminA history lesson brought to you by Local 1, UNITE HERE, the hardworking men and women who are your bartenders, servers, bussers, and cleaners at Northwest Indiana Casinos.
Gallery: Protest at Ameristar Casino (Northwest Indiana Times)
/in News /by adminVideo: Ameristar Protest (Northwest Indiana Times)
/in News /by adminNational Rally to #BoycottAmeristar
/in Updates /by adminUnion leaders and hundreds of union members from across the country converged outside the Ameristar Casino grounds on June 23rd, to sound support for the ongoing boycott […]
Save the date for the Ameristar Boycott National Rally – June 23
/in Updates /by adminRSVP here for the #BoycottAmeristar National Rally
Casino workers union sets up website chronicling Ameristar dispute (Northwest Indiana Times)
/in News /by adminThe union representing casino workers at three of Northwest Indiana’s casinos has created a website in an effort to engage the public in the union’s dispute with Ameristar Casino of East Chicago. […]
Local 1 Union Casino Organizing Committees Meet
/in Updates /by adminLeaders from all four Indiana and Illinois casinos which are represented by Unite Here Local 1 met Tuesday June 2nd to review where we are in casino organizing and how Local 1 casinos are going to grow power in the Chicagoland casino industry in 2015! […]
Postcard Mailed to Ameristar Customers
/in Updates /by admin[…] some customers of Ameristar received this postcard about Jessica Levin’s termination and one customer’s reaction to it.
Ameristar Workers Ask Guests Approaching Casino to “Turn Around!”
/in Updates /by adminAt the weekly pickets of the casino, workers have been asking guests driving up to the casino on Cline Avenue to turn around and take their business elsewhere.
#BoycottAmeristar BBQ Fridays Kick Off!
/in Updates /by adminFriday the 15th of May saw the first of the Ameristar Boycott’s weekly Friday actions as we continue to fight for a fair contract that includes our union health insurance. Ameristar workers were joined by members of UNITE HERE and other Northwest Indiana unions. […]
Former Customers Speak Up For Ameristar Workers
/in Updates /by adminAfter Ameristar workers reached out to their community asking for a boycott of the casino, customers began to respond—saying they wouldn’t be back until a fair contract was settled. Two former customers share why they are boycotting […]
Ameristar Workers Attend East Chicago City Council
/in Updates /by adminAmeristar buffet server, Dawn Silvas, addressed the East Chicago City Council at their meeting on May 11, 2015. After the meeting, Dawn and other Ameristar workers spoke with many city councilors and members of the public […]
Ameristar Worker’s message on health insurance enrollment
/in Updates /by adminStarting May 1st, Ameristar stripped union casino workers of the affordable family health insurance plan they have had for years. Instead, they are being left with Pinnacle Entertainment’s health insurance plan. While enrolling, workers are sending the following letter to Anthony Sanfilippo, CEO of Pinnacle. The message is clear: Ameristar workers will continue to fight, […]
Picket at Ameristar
/in Updates /by adminDozens of hearty souls braved the cold, rain and wind on Saturday April 25th to picket outside Ameristar. Casino workers were joined by union brothers and sisters from the striking BP Oil Workers, the Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor, and downtown Chicago hotels. The servers, bartenders, cleaners, and bussers of the casino are protesting the […]
Shop Steward Terminated
/in Updates /by adminOn April 17 Jessica Levin, a 6-year bartender and shop steward at Ameristar, was fired for calling customers about the boycott. Hundreds of people have declared their support for Jessica by sharing her story on social media. You can share it too! Click here to share the image on your own Facebook page.
Picket at Ameristar
/in Updates /by adminAmeristar workers and allies picketed on April 10th at the casino. Casino servers, bussers and cleaners asked guests driving up to the casino to turn around and go to Majestic Star or Blue Chip, where workers have a fair contract. Cars also were invited to pull over to talk to Ameristar workers. Workers shared with […]
Ameristar Workers Reach Out To Customers About Labor Dispute
/in Updates /by adminThe Ameristar worker organizing committee wants to make sure their customers know to stay away from the casino until a fair contract is settled. We are reaching out to their longtime customers through letters, postcards, and phone calls to tell them […]
UNITE HERE Representative Comments on the Campaign Against Ameristar (Casino News Daily)
/in News /by admin(Casino News Daily) UNITE HERE, the labor union that is representing employees of Ameristar Casino, has been making the headlines recently mainly because of the protests organized against the idea of Ameristar executives to cut down on employees’ health insurance plan.
Union representatives explain casino boycott (Notre Dame Observer)
/in News /by adminRepresentatives of UNITE HERE, the labor union representing Ameristar Casino employees, described their campaign against the casino during the most recent Labor Cafe discussion sponsored by the Higgins Labor Program
Ameristar Committee Members Attend Indiana Gaming Commission Meeting
/in Updates /by adminOn March 19, Jessica Levin, a bartender at Ameristar and union shop steward, addressed the Indiana Gaming Commission, alerting them to the boycott she and her coworkers called earlier that month. Click here to read the testimony.
Northwest Indiana Casino Workers Lobby in Indianapolis
/in Updates /by adminOn March 19, workers from Ameristar, East Chicago, were joined by their union brothers and sisters in Indianapolis on a day of lobbying their legislators about House Bill 1540, which addresses gaming in the state. We delivered a letter, which you can read below, to several of our legislators and sponsors and authors of the […]
Union Workers at Ameristar Launch Boycott of Casino
/in Updates /by adminOn March 4th, workers from East Chicago’s Ameristar Casino launched an official boycott of Ameristar. Servers, bussers and cleaners are asking customers not to spend a penny at Ameristar until the casino settles a union contract that maintains workers’ affordable family health insurance plan that they have had for years. Ameristar Casino is owned by […]
Union Employees at Ameristar Casino call for boycott as negotiations continue (Northwest Indiana Times)
/in News /by admin(Northwest Indiana Times) Ameristar Casino employees represented by Unite Here Local 1 rally Wednesday for preservation of their health benefits and call for a boycott of the casino at the casino in East Chicago.
Ameristar Casino workers call for boycott (Chicago Tribune)
/in News /by admin(Chicago Tribune) Union employees at Ameristar Casino are urging patrons to boycott the East Chicago boat until they reach a contract settlement with owner Pinnacle Entertainment Inc. that includes retention of their current health insurance plan.