Massachusetts AFL-CIO Resolution in Support of Establishing Destination Resort Casinos in the Commonwealth

WHEREAS, falling state revenues due to our current economic crisis have left legislators with the hard reality of both raising taxes to create revenue and cutting needed programs in order to balance the budget; and

 

WHEREAS, many states have seen substantial benefits and increased economic growth when destination resort casinos and other types of expanded gaming and entertainment are introduced; and

 

WHEREAS, destination resort casinos will create new employment opportunities in the commonwealth and increase public revenues to the state and municipalities; and

 

WHEREAS, the construction of destination resort casinos in the Commonwealth would create thousands of temporary jobs in the building trades, and thousands more permanent jobs in the operation of this new industry, putting many of our brothers and sisters back to work during these tough economic times; and

 

WHEREAS, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO has been the lead proponent of “An Act Establishing and Regulating Resort-Style Entertainment in the Commonwealth,” introduced to the General Court and placed on the state federation’s legislative agenda in the 2009-2010 legislative session; therefore be it

 

RESOLVED that the Massachusetts AFL-CIO fully supports the establishment of destination resort casinos that will operate with fair labor practices, living wage and benefit standards such as health care and pensions, and provide career ladders to employees so they may attain new quality job opportunities in this industry; and be it further

 

RESOLVED that the Massachusetts AFL-CIO will advocate for a destination resort casino proposal that creates job opportunities for highly skilled union construction workers and in-house union employees for the operation of such facilities; and be it further

 

RESOLVED that any specific proposal to establish destination resort casinos must assure economic development through job quality standards; substantial public revenue generation; employer-financed training opportunities for workers; Project Labor Agreements for construction of the facilities; responsible procurement policies; favorable conditions for workplace fairness in terms of unionization; and a seat at the table for the Massachusetts AFL-CIO for any advisory board of this new endeavor; and be it finally