Labor board won't review Mashantucket Pequots' claim

CONNECTICUT -- As reported by the Connecticut Day: "The National Labor Relations Board in Washington, D.C., has refused to review the Mashantucket Pequots' claim that the agency has no jurisdiction over the unionizing effort at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

"'The board has denied the employer's request for review,' said regional NLRB Assistant Director John Cotter. 'For the record, the decision (by Regional Director Peter B. Hoffman) stands. That's all they say and all they need to say.'

"Hoffman asserted the agency's right to oversee the union drive under federal law on Oct. 24. The tribe claimed that tribal law, not federal law, should prevail in any organizing effort.

"The United Auto Workers' vote will go forward as planned Saturday at Foxwoods and ballots will be counted, Cotter said. The tribe's request to halt the election planned at Foxwoods for 3,000 dealers Saturday also has been halted..."