Reps. Miller, Meisner, Meadows, Hopgood, Kathleen Law, Bennett, Constan, Vagnozzi, Farrah and Tobocman offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 244.

            A resolution to express support for the findings of the National Labor Relations Board regarding the unionization of workers at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort and to encourage a quick resolution of this issue.

            Whereas, Workers at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort at Mount Pleasant have taken the appropriate steps to bring about a vote on whether they wish to be represented by the Teamsters in labor matters. The workers expressed their interest in seeking a vote through the signing of organizing cards and at meetings. In October 2007, petitions were filed to seek an election on the question of unionizing; and

            Whereas, The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe took steps to prevent the workers from joining the union. The tribe challenged the petitions, claiming sovereignty. The National Labor Relations Board, following earlier rulings regarding the ability of employees at Native American-owned casinos elsewhere to join a union, decided, in November 2007, that the employees at the Soaring Eagle do have the right to vote on the question of joining the union; and

            Whereas, The November action of the National Labor Relations Board is consistent with past practices, as well as a prior decision in the 9th United States Circuit Court of Appeals that affirmed that the National Labor Relations Board had the right to assert jurisdiction over Native American enterprises in certain circumstances; and

            Whereas, Laws governing the process of workers seeking to organize themselves through a union reflect many years of struggle. The process that must be followed brings order to the workplace and safeguards the rights of people to work together on certain matters concerning the workplace. This vital component of labor relations provides important protections for workers, who have the right to express themselves through established procedures; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we express support for the findings of the National Labor Relations Board regarding the unionization of workers at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort and encourage a quick resolution of this issue; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the National Labor Relations Board, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, and Teamsters Local 486.