Engineers can vote to form union at Foxwoods

Hartford, Conn. —

About 310 engineering employees at Foxwoods Resort Casino can vote on whether to organize under the International Union of Operating Engineers, according to a decision issued by the National Labor Relations Board this morning.

Peter Hoffman, the board's regional director, dismissed claims by the Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Enterprise regarding financial hardship for the Mashantucket Pequot tribe should a union strike as well as arguments the board does not have jurisdiction over the sovereign nation.

A list of employees eligible to vote is due to the board Tuesday.