Turtle Talk

Here is the ratifying resolution: 10-1220-059 Ratifying Collective Bargaining Agreement

And the press release:

(December 21^st, 2010) Manistee, MI

Historic Collective Bargaining Agreement Signed under Tribal Law

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians announced today that a collective bargaining agreement has been reached between the Little River Casino Resort and the United Steelworkers.  The agreement is the first to be reached after a union election campaign and collective bargaining process governed solely by tribal law.  Security guards voted last Thursday to approve the agreement. The Board of Directors of the Resort subsequently approved it on Monday, December 20^th, and the Agreement is effective upon that approval.

“This is proud moment for our Tribe,” said Stephen Parsons, Tribal Council Speaker for the Band.  “We have worked hard to design a fair law to govern labor relations within our jurisdiction.  This agreement shows that tribal sovereignty works.”

Tribal Ogema Larry Romanelli echoed this sentiment:  “This agreement is just another progressive step for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians as we accept responsibility for our own affairs and fairly protect the interests of all parties involved.”

The Little River Casino Resort operates pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, a sweeping federal law enacted by Congress to enable tribes to generate revenues to support tribal government—similar to state lotteries.  The Band’s law governs labor relations within its public sector.

 

In 2008, USW representatives, acknowledging the Tribe’s existing law, approached Band leaders to say that they had significant support from Resort employees for a union election.  The Band’s Tribal Council subsequently adopted an election procedure to be overseen by an appointed Neutral Election Official.  In October, 2008, Resort security officers elected the union to represent their bargaining unit.  Negotiations proceeded under the Band’s Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining Law.

“This collective bargaining agreement is the result of significant, hard fought negotiations from both sides of the table,” said Tom Davis, General Manager for the Little River Casino Resort.  “There were compromises, gains and losses on both sides—that’s what a bargaining process is all about.”

“This is a mutually beneficial agreement that reflects the importance of tribal sovereignty while providing a mechanism for employees to have a choice of union representation or not,” said Ogema Romanelli.  “This is truly a historic moment. I appreciate the union’s cooperation over the process and the efforts of all who were involved in the negotiation.”

For further information on the Collective Bargaining Agreement and approving Resolution, please contact the Office of Public Affairs, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.