Gambling with labor anger
With the state Assembly joining in approval of compacts for Indan gaming, the Los Angeles labor movement -- one of the most powerful in the state -- is focusing its anger on some key members with long ties to them and sounding a warner shot.
“I hope that our leaders can begin to understand the ramifications of granting the casinos the right to the largest expansion in the history of our state with no worker protections for at least 23 years. I hope that they can begin to comprehend that our middle class is shrinking and not thriving. For some proof of this, I invite them to visit with some of our casino workers – meet with them at one of the two jobs they have to work at just to make ends meet. Maybe then they will realize that they have the sovereign responsibility to protect California’s workers and not just the number of slot machines found in the casinos.”
Among those the union had targeted for support was Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, D-Los Angeles, who once served as political director of the organization.