Ohio casino workers in Toledo agree to unionize

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — Casino employees in Toledo have voted to unionize, joining two other Ohio casinos that have taken steps to organize.

The Blade newspaper of Toledo reports that workers at the Hollywood Casino Toledo could begin negotiating their first contract within the next month.

The Ohio region director for the United Auto Workers says a joint council of the UAW and the United Steelworkers will represent about 800 casino employees in Toledo. Director Ken Lortz tells the newspaper that there was “very strong support” for the union from workers, though a vote tally wasn’t available.

The Toledo casino’s vice president of human resources says the company’s relationship with the unions have been a positive one.

Unions have been certified at the Cleveland and Columbus casinos. Organizing efforts are starting at the Cincinnati casino.