The joining of unite, a union of textile and apparel workers, and HERE, the gaming industry’s dominant union, which includes powerful locals in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, in 2004 seemed to be a match made in heaven. The merger blended two disparate groups and built a huge influence pool in Washington. The leaders of the two unions, Bruce Raynor (UNITE) and John Wilhelm (HERE) are highly respected in the halls of Congress and give the combined organization a great deal of clout.

But heaven can now wait. Raynor has filed suit against Wilhelm, charging him with attempting to seize control of the international union. When the two unions merged in 2004, the two said they had arranged a power-sharing structure—as co-presidents—that would prevent either side from becoming too dominant.

Raynor’s suit charges that Wilhelm supporters at an executive committee meeting in January forced votes on internal administrative and spending measures that should have been addressed by the two co-presidents.

In February, Wilhelm supporters fought off an attempt by Raynor to split the union into its original components. Because HERE members make up more than 60 percent of the union, it’s unlikely that Raynor can prevail.

But it all should be decided in June when the union holds its once-every-five-years convention. The confrontation should be heated.

By Casino Connection Staff