Here is the ratifying resolution: 10-1220-059 Ratifying Collective Bargaining Agreement
And the press release:
(December 21st, 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 20th, 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.
Turtle Talk 