United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1459 said its reason for endorsing the Penn National casino project included its goal of hiring 90 percent of its workers from Springfield.
SPRINGFIELD – The United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1459, representing more than 5,000 employees in the region, has announced its endorsement of Penn National Gaming’s proposed $807 million casino project in the North End of the downtown district.
The union gave its exclusive endorsement to the Penn National project, praising the company’s goal of hiring 90 percent of its casino workforce from Springfield, and the company’s cooperative spirit and commitment to economic development.
“Penn National has an established record of delivering on their commitments, and to working closely with local organized labor in projects across the country,” said Richard M. Brown, secretary-treasurer of UFCW Local 1459. “We are excited to be partnering with Penn, and believe that their project in the north end is by far the best one for the working families of Springfield and Western Massachusetts.”
Penn National is one of four companies competing for a single casino license in Western Massachusetts. Three other companies have submitted casino plans: MGM Resorts International, proposing a project in the South End of Springfield; Mohegan Sun, proposing a casino in Palmer off the Massachusetts Turnpike; and Hard Rock International, planning a project on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.
Local 1459 represents private and public employees in areas that include: food service; health care; public works; parks and recreation; nursing; bus driving; and administration.
Brown said he has spoken with officials of both Penn National and MGM, with just Penn asking for the union’s endorsement. Penn was deemed the best “fit,” given factors including its local hiring goals and its tie-in to Union Station, he said.
Eric Schippers, senior-vice president of public affairs at Penn National, said the company is extremely proud to have the union’s endorsement and to be partnering with it on economic development.
Under the signed agreement, UFCW will support and help promote the Penn National project.
“Ultimately, we anticipate our agreement will lead to a partnership on the operating side of our casino as well, meaning our employees will be given an opportunity to join the UFCW,“ Schippers said.
Regarding construction and development, Penn has signed memorandum of understandings with the Pioneer Valley Building and Construction Trades Council, Carpenters Local 108, and the Community Works Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program.
MGM previously announced that it has received the endorsements of both the Springfield International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Local 364, and the International Association of Firefighters, Local 648, representing Springfield police and firefighters.