Dealers

As a former dealer, I can appreciate the frustration that comes with the job. Long hours, sometimes nasty customers, often surly supervisors and a job that is more like a factory job than a skilled customer service position. They have some gripes, and they should be heard and appreciated.

That said, I believe many dealers are living in a fantasy world that could cost them much more than frustration and a smaller raise than they feel is necessary.

Las Vegas Sun columnist Jeff Simpson has been all over the tip sharing issue at Wynn Las Vegas, that has the dealers there up in arms. His column at the end of April demonstrated that the system is innovative and could work to the benefit of all involved. But Wynn dealers don't see it that way. So they're talking union.

Atlantic City dealers are involved in a major organization campaign by another union that has managed to secure positive votes from two casinos, with three more elections scheduled. Again, the dealers in Atlantic City are listening to rhetoric without thinking things through.

Let's talk about what can happen if a union comes in—all completely legal and ethical. Right now, there is a tremendous amount of flexibility when it comes to scheduling and working conditions. My column in the May Atlantic City Casino Connection just scratches the surface when demonstrating how a casino can prepare for the union on the casino floor.

A casino operator can dramatically alter the pay, working schedule and conditions of dealers if they so desire, all within the limits of a union contract. Remember, it's to a union's benefit to have as many workers on duty at any time so they get the maximum return in dues. To have a full complement of casino dealers actually works against the best interests of the dealers by increasing the number of hours worked divided into the tip pool.

Dealers in both Atlantic City and Las Vegas have to realize that the way to work through problems with management is to work with management, not with an alien third party.

—Roger Gros