PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Workers at Rivers Casino Portsmouth have made state history, becoming the first casino employees in Virginia to secure a union contract.

Teamsters Local 822 announced that members voted 95% in favor of ratifying the agreement, which guarantees nearly 16% in raises over the life of the contract, employer-paid health care, additional paid time off and job protections against at-will termination.

“This is history in the making,” said James Wright, president of Local 822. “For the first time, Virginia gaming workers have a legally binding union contract that delivers guaranteed raises, strong benefits, and just cause protections.”

Slot attendant Natasha O’Guinn called the deal life-changing. “We finally have a voice and a fair contract that respects what we do every day,”

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