It came as a surprise to many that the Seminole Tribe of Florida decided to buy the world-renowned Hard Rock company, comprising 124 Hard Rock Cafes, four Hard Rock Hotels, two Hard Rock Casino Hotels, two Hard Rock Concert halls, and one of the largest collections of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia in the world. It will be paying $965 million for the British-based company
Questions for union organizers and the NLRB: Are the Seminoles an independent nation that does not have to abide by the Labor Relations Act? Or will the new Hard Rock business be just another large U.S. corporation that will be employing thousands of workers?
Restaurant, casino, and hotel workers are prime candidates for union organizers. Indeed, organizing efforts for those workers are taking place from coast to coast with considerable success.
If the Seminoles have an unfair labor advantage that is not enjoyed by other hotel, casino, and restaurant owners, law makers and the NLRB will be called upon to come up with a solution that is equitable to all parties.
