Albany

A large casino workers union has written to the state Gaming Commission complaining about Rush Street Gaming, the company trying to obtain licenses to run gambling houses in Schenectady and Newburgh.

The letter from Chris Margoulas, assistant to the president of Unite HERE, says that ongoing labor disputes with Rush Street's three domestic casinos, in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Des Plaines, Ill., are unresolved despite settlements made between the company and the National Labor Relations Board.

The letter asserts that workers at casinos run by the Chicago-based firm have reported "illegal harassment by casino managers including threats, surveillance and other intimidation."

Unite HERE has been trying to unionize Rush Street properties for years. Efforts began in Philadelphia in August 2011, at Pittsburgh in April 2011 and in Des Plaines in October 2013. The letter says workers have encountered several roadblocks considered improper, including firing some who spoke publicly about desiring better working conditions and fair process.

Lee Park, a gaming commission spokesman, confirmed receiving the letter. Unite HERE sent copies to members of the Gaming Facility Location Board, which will recommend projects for licensing this fall.

Rush Street is partners with Galesi Group in Schenectady on a proposed $330 million hotel and casino along the Mohawk River at the former American Locomotive plant site. It is partnering with Saratoga Harness on a much bigger project proposed for Newburgh.

In an unusual situation, Peter Ward, the head of the large New York City local of Unite HERE, appears in a video touting another Saratoga Harness project, a casino planned for East Greenbush.

A principal of Saratoga Harness extolled Rush Street on Tuesday, citing the "extraordinary reviews" the firm receives in the markets where it operates.

Asked about the union's complaints, Rush Street Chairman Neil Bluhm and CEO Greg Carlin said the company's record speaks for itself. During two days of presentations to the siting board earlier this week, the company emphasized it has won repeated best-employer awards at its three casinos for years.

"We certainly have disputes with companies all the time, but there is nothing like this anywhere else," said Martin Leary, gaming research director for Unite HERE. The union has 275,000 members in hospitality and food service jobs, including about 100,000 casino workers.

In a statement, Rush Street Gaming said:

"In upstate New York, Capital Region Gaming and Hudson Valley Casino & Resort have both entered into labor peace agreements with the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council. Rush Street Gaming has a proven track record of honoring its commitments; and if selected for a gaming license in New York state, looks forward to working with the Hotel and Motel Trades Council."

jodato@timesunion.com • 518-454-5083 • @JamesMOdato