Rosalind Evans
In Atlantic City, the primary workforce in casinos – the individuals who clean rooms, serve beverages, and maintain public spaces – is predominantly female. For the first time in its 107-year history, its representative union, Local 54 of Unite Here, is headed by a woman, Donna DeCaprio.
DeCaprio holds considerable influence in Atlantic City as president of the union, leading the 10,000-member union that has often halted the casino industry during labour disputes. However, due to the historic contracts signed last year, the city can anticipate labour harmony for the next three years. These contracts offered the workers the largest raises they have ever received, and DeCaprio was the leading negotiator.
Stepping in for Bob McDevitt, the former president recovering from a severe illness, DeCaprio successfully negotiated without resorting to a strike. This was critical for the struggling Atlantic City casino industry, impacted heavily by the COVID-19 pandemic and rising inflation. Her long-standing relationship with the executives of the city’s nine casinos and her intimate knowledge of daily worker challenges were instrumental in securing the deal.
Reflecting on her journey in the industry, which began in 1987 as a bar cleaner and stocker at Trop World casino, DeCaprio highlights the demanding nature of the work. With 60% of the union’s membership being women, DeCaprio advocates a collaborative approach to tackling issues and hopes to foster alliances with other associations.
Her leadership is met with great enthusiasm by her fellow workers. RuthAnne Joyce, a bartender at Harrah’s and Hard Rock, commends DeCaprio’s hard work, expertise, and dedication to the union’s membership.
DeCaprio succeeds McDevitt, a forceful presence in Atlantic City for 25 years, who assumed leadership of the national union’s pension fund in May. Known for his aggressive stance in advocating for worker rights, McDevitt was no stranger to protests and strikes. DeCaprio, with her history of activism, assures she can be as assertive when required.
Her time as the union’s secretary-treasurer for nearly two decades allowed DeCaprio to build crucial relationships with casino executives. These connections were critical in reaching an agreement last summer without resorting to strikes.
Mark Giannantonio, the president of Resorts Casino and the head of the Casino Association of New Jersey, commends DeCaprio’s abilities as a negotiator, echoing her commitment to her members and the community. McDevitt adds that casino executives hold DeCaprio in high regard and expect her leadership to be successful.
One of the significant challenges DeCaprio will face is the possible smoking ban in New Jersey casinos. Currently, smoking is permitted on 25% of the casino floor, but a group of casino workers advocates for a complete ban. While there is considerable support for the ban among the state legislature and the governor, no votes have been scheduled yet.
DeCaprio, much like her predecessor, considers the proposed ban detrimental, arguing that it could lead to the loss of numerous jobs and potentially close a casino due to competition from casinos in Pennsylvania that permit smoking. Instead, she suggests a compromise where smoking is continued in designated areas with enhanced ventilation and air treatment technology. However, there are arguments that no technology can eliminate the harmful substances from cigarette and cigar smoke.
Casino workers also refer to a study that shows casinos prohibiting smoking perform as well, if not better, than those allowing it.
DeCaprio’s appointment to lead the majority-female workforce’s union signals an important shift in Atlantic City’s casino industry. She brings extensive experience, a deep understanding of workers’ daily challenges, and a record of strong negotiation to her new role. While the journey ahead is laden with significant challenges, including the potential smoking ban, her track record suggests that she will navigate these issues with the best interests of her members at heart. As she takes the helm of Unite Here Local 54, watching how she shapes the future of Atlantic City’s casino industry and workforce will be intriguing.
