Union March Against Mardi Gras Casino Planned Tuesday
HALLANDALE BEACH (CBSMiami) – A group of people, upset about the firing of ten workers at Mardi Gras Casino for being pro-union, are planning a "March for Freedom" Tuesday night that may block a street in Hallandale Beach.
Event organizers claim the so-called "Mardi Gras 10" were let go last year for trying to form a union.
The National Labor Relations Board has filed complaints against Mardi Gras, with the federal board accusing casino management of "unfair labor practices" that interfered with the workers' federally protected right to form a union.
All 10 fired workers served on the casino's union leadership committee and all 10 lost their jobs last November.
Organizers of the march said they expect about 500 people to join them to promote a better working environment at the casino and other hotels and gaming establishments in South Florida.
Supporters are asked to meet at BF James Park, 101 NW 9th Street in Hallandale Beach at 6:00 p.m. Once everyone is gathered, they'll proceed to the casino from 7:10 to 7:30.
About 30 marchers plan to block Atlantic Shores near U.S. 1 and get arrested, said organizers.
Organizers said this isn't a "scream and shout" event, it's an effort to raise public awareness.
Florida is one of 20 "right to work" states that have laws allowing employees to choose whether or not to join a union and pay dues – even after a majority of employees at a workplace vote in favor of a union. Workers are protected by the collective bargaining agreement negotiated by the union, whether or not they join.
