Labor Deal Reached by Richmond Grand Resort & Casino

By Jane Shaw Senior Editor Updated: 10/09/2023

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Richmond Grand Resort & Casino

It has been revealed that a labor deal has been reached by Virginia’s Richmond Grand Resort & Casino and the Richmond Area Building a Construction Trades Council (RBCTC). The aim of the agreement is to not only have a positive impact on the employment market in the area but also to ensure workers are paid a fair wage and receive benefits.

In 2021, voters in Richmond rejected the prospect of a new casino in the area with a referendum vote. Some believe that the labor deal is also designed to show voters that the company is willing and able to put in the work and give residents what they want in terms of labor benefits and community involvement.

Locals Want Casino to Boost Career Opportunities

Tierra Ward, who runs the Richmond Wins, Vote Yes referendum campaign, said that locals had stated that they wanted the casino to ‘create great career opportunities.’

Ward added:

…and now a project labor agreement has been reached that will ensure fair wages and benefits, promote local hiring, protect small, women, and minority contractors, and create apprenticeship opportunities so that Richmonders of all experience levels can begin a lucrative career in the building trades.

In addition, Ward went on to say that they were committed to ensuring the new casino pays fair wages and offers great career opportunities both now and in the future. The 2021 referendum fell short by around 1,500 votes, but officials are hoping that this labor deal will be able to turn things around.

Setting Specific Standards

As part of the labor deal, specific standards have been outlined as the state pushes for greater transparency. Among the standards outlined for the project labor agreement (PLA) are the opportunity for apprenticeships in neighborhoods that are disadvantaged, the hiring of businesses that are minority or female-owned, and solid safety standards.

The Hourigan Construction Corp. will be the general contractor for the project, and this company is based locally.

It was also confirmed that there will be a minimum of one union involved in the labor deal. It is hoped that these moves will show Richmond residents that there is now greater transparency than the last time the idea of a casino was put forward in the city.

During the first referendum, there was no PLA, and this meant that voters had no idea regarding pay, conditions, and the impact on employment levels. This time around, all those involved want to demonstrate the benefits of the casino more clearly.

In addition to all of this, local community meetings are being held by the developers of the casino, Urban ONE and Churchill Downs. It is hoped that these will help to answer any questions that residents have about the venue and will further boost transparency.

It has also been confirmed that the city is hoping to put $26 million from revenue generated by the casino toward local programs around the city. This resolution was approved recently by members of the Richmond City Council by way of a vote.