A proposal for a casino hotel in Times Square has received backing from 17 labor unions in the New York region. 

In a message to Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, State Assemblymember Tony Simone, and City Councilmember Erik Bottcher, who represent the area where Caesars Palace Times Square is proposed, union representatives expressed their support for the initiative and asserted that a gaming venue in the theater district will advantage the whole city.

"The team behind Caesars Palace Times Square knows and understands New York City,” wrote the union leaders. “They recognize that when Times Square thrives, the entire city thrives. And they are prepared to invest billions of dollars in converting the office building at 44th Street and Broadway into a world-class gaming, hospitality, and entertainment destination, an investment that will transform the economic life of Times Square.”

The signatories of the letter include: Steamfitters Local 638, Mason Tenders’ District Council, Cement & Concrete Workers District Council #16, Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers Local Union 137, Cement Masons’ Local 780, Plasterers’ Local 262, Tile, Marble & Terrazzo BAC Local Union No. 7 from New York & New Jersey, District Council 9, Painters and Allied Trades International Union, Roofers Local Union No. 8, Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local Union No. 1, Sheet Metal Air, Rail and Transportation Workers Local Union 28, Local 12 Heat and Frost Insulators of New York City & Long Island, International Union of Elevator Constructors Local One, United Association of Journeymen & Apprentices in the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the US & Canada, Plumbers Local 1, Building Material Teamsters Local 282, New York City and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union No. 3. 

 

In Times Square Casino, Labor History May Be Important 

The Times Square casino team is headed by Caesars, property developer SL Green, and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation entertainment firm. The gaming company and the real estate investment trust (REIT) both have significant histories of collaborating with organized labor. 

Leaders from both organizations have praised their partnerships, and they have already finalized agreements with two significant Broadway unions — the Actors Equity Association and the American Federation of Musicians Local 802. Moreover, Caesars and SL Green have secured backing agreements from multiple labor unions while finalizing a memorandum of understanding with an additional one. 

However, not all labor unions support the Times Square casino project. Last month, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) became a member of the No Times Square Casino Coalition. The union includes Local One stagehands, Local 764 wardrobe employees, Local 798 hair and makeup artists, ATPAM theater company managers and publicity agents, USA 829 scenic designers, Local 306 ushers, Local 751 treasurers, and ticket agents. 

Several additional theater organizations, such as the Theater Development Fund (TDF), are against the gaming location because they feel that visitors will remain in the casino and not explore the nearby area to attend performances and aid local enterprises. 

 

Unions View Times Square Casino as a Catalyst for Expansion 

Like several other downstate casino proposals in New York, the Times Square project has both critics and advocates. Opponents of Caesars Palace Times Square argue that the establishment will lead to increased crime and traffic issues, without providing advantages to nearby businesses. 

On the other hand, supporters are confident that the gaming establishment will assist Times Square in recovering tourism that has not completely bounced back since the coronavirus outbreak, while also acting as a significant job creator. 

“Not only will the development of Caesars Palace Times Square provide jobs for our members, it will also serve as a catalyst for local economic development, attracting visitors from around the world and stimulating spending at surrounding restaurants, hotels, and retail establishments,” according to the union letter. “SL Green, Caesars, and Roc Nation estimate that a gaming and entertainment venue in Times Square will attract in excess of 10 million new visitors to New York City annually.”