[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 63 (Friday, May 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E787-E788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      VIEJAS BAND OF KUMEYAAY INDIANS: SPIRIT OF COOPERATION AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 19, 2000

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, today I recognize the Viejas 
Band of Kumeyaay Indians, as it is honored by the San Diego-Imperial 
Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO, at its 12th annual Worker's Memorial 
Dinner with its Spirit of Cooperation Award.
  The Viejas Indian Casino recently signed a contract with the 
Communications Workers of America Local 9400, in what is possibly the 
first ever union contract with any Tribal Casino in the United States. 
Not only did Viejas sign an agreement with the union allowing it to 
organize workers at the casino, but they also gave the union space for 
a temporary organizing office on the property and allowed the union 
easy access to the employees.
  After the representation election, Viejas and the union successfully 
negotiated a contract that provides good wages, benefits, and union 
representation to employees. Viejas has been model of employer attitude 
and has forced a truly special relationship with the union.

[[Page E788]]

  Viejas has also been a leader in supporting community efforts through 
their charitable giving programs and active participation in community 
and business associations.
  My congratulations go to the Viejas Bank of Kumeyaay Indians for 
these significant contributions.

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