Lago Casino gets support from Labor leaders

Wilmorite Chairman Thomas C. Wilmot, Sr., Director of Lago Resort & Casino, met yesterday with more than two dozen labor leaders who are eager for their members to work on building the Lago Resort & Casino. Wilmot and the labor leaders were joined by local government officials from Seneca and Wayne Counties in looking at the proposed site for Lago. Wilmot praised the labor leaders for the efficient negotiations that resulted in Lago locking in a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for the construction of the facilities and a Labor Peace Agreement for future Lago workers. “Of all the many reasons I’m excited about the opportunities Lago Resort & Casino represents, I’m most excited about the ability to provide jobs – good jobs – for thousands of people from Tyre, Seneca County and the Finger Lakes Region. There are many unemployed and underemployed people in this region who want a chance to work and earn a living for their families. That’s what Lago offers,” Wilmot said. “I am extremely grateful to all the labor leaders who have joined us in supporting Lago winning one of the state’s four gaming licenses,” Wilmot said. “And I’m delighted that they have been true partners in putting in place a PLA and a Labor Peace Agreement to ensure smooth sailing between labor and management as we move forward.”Overall, 19 unions representing more than 6,000 workers signed the PLA. And the Labor Peace Agreement was signed by Workers United, with more than 8,000 members. Among the unions represented at Wednesday’s site visit were:Finger Lakes Building TradesWorkers United, Rochester Regional Joint BoardPainters District Council #4Heat & Frost Insulators, Local 30Roofers, Local 195Electricians, IBEW, Local 840Laborers’ Local 435International Union of Elevator ConstructorsSheet Metal Workers, Local 46Upstate New York Operating Engineers, Local 158Michael Davis, President of Finger Lakes Building Trades, said: “This project represents thousands of good union jobs for people who really need them. But Lago Casino & Resort is more than simply new jobs for carpenters, electricians, plumbers and others in the building trades. Lago presents an opportunity for craftspeople in these trades to show off their skills in building a magnificent facility that will showcase our region. It will lead to increased tourism, new business and even more new jobs.”Gary Bonadonna, Jr., Assistant Manager, Rochester Regional Joint Board, Workers United, said: “In showing their commitment to organized labor by entering into a comprehensive and equitable Project Labor Agreement (PLA) and Labor Peace Agreement, Lago Resort & Casino is demonstrating an ongoing commitment to creating jobs, creating economic opportunity and developing a brighter economic future for a region sorely in need of jobs and opportunity.”Ace Roundtree, Business Agent, Laborers’ Local 435, Finger Lakes Building Trades, said: “We look forward to Lago Resort & Casino winning this competition on the merits and we look forward to working with the Wilmots and their incredible team. They are committed to working with us and creating jobs for our members and we are committed to working with them to help them succeed in obtaining a casino license so together we can help our entire region grow and thrive.”Wilmot and the labor leaders also discussed Lago’s commitment to diversity in all facets of its operations.“Lago is committed to having a workforce during both construction and operations that reflects the diversity of Upstate New York. Employment at Lago will provide significant opportunities for minorities, women, veterans and people with disabilities,” Wilmot said. “In particular, we are very proud that the PLA recognizes the desire of Lago and the unions to facilitate entry into the building and construction trades of veterans, utilizing the services of the Center for Military Recruitment, Assessment and Veterans Employment and the Center’s ‘Helmets to Hardhats’ program.”