Colorado casino workers have unionized for the first time in state history, after some 110 employees at Bally’s Black Hawk voted to join Teamsters Local 455 through a card-check process.
The bargaining unit includes cooks, cashiers, bartenders, servers, housekeeping staff, maintenance technicians, slot attendants and slot technicians. Workers cited wage increases, improved benefits and safer working conditions as motivations for joining the Teamsters.
“The workers at Black Hawk Casino came together to secure a stronger voice on the job, and they’ve made history in the process,” said Tommy Blitsch, director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division. “This victory is an inspiring reminder to casino workers across Colorado and nationwide that when you stand together, you can win a better future with the Teamsters.”
The vote followed a neutrality agreement reached between the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Bally’s in November 2025. That agreement allowed workers to select union representation by signing authorization cards rather than through a formal election process.
“We saw an opportunity to make things better at work, and we took it. These changes will make a real difference not only for us, but for our families as well,” said Alexander Balza, a housekeeper and new Local 455 member.
“This is an important moment for workers in Colorado and the entire casino industry. Our brothers and sisters at Local 455 are excited to welcome the newest bargaining unit to our family. And we’re ready to represent and protect them in the fight for a fair first contract,” said Dean Modecker, secretary-treasurer of Local 455.
Bally’s Black Hawk operates three casino properties in Black Hawk, together offering more than 540 slot machines, 33 table games and a poker room.
Nationwide, the Teamsters represent nearly 6,000 members across casinos and casino hotels. The union, founded in 1903, represents 1.3 million members in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/08/18/125921-colorado-bally-39s-black-hawk-workers-join-teamsters-in-historic-vote
