I just read a thread about the relationship between the tribes and political fundraising, in that thread somebody mentioned something about how the tribes hire with preference to Native Americans... Now, I know that this is true, my question is how/why the owners of tribal casinos are able to legally do this? I am a Steward for the Union I belong to (IUOE Local 612) and in that capacity, I have been involved in my share of Unfair Labor Practice suits filed with the National Labor relations board regarding Unfair hiring practices against several different construction contractors, and my understanding of the existing labor laws is that nobody can hire or fire based on an individuals race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender, Union affiliation, And in some cases, Political views. How is it that the Tribes are somehow exempt from this law? I know that just about every employer out there practices some type of prejudice when hiring/ firing employees, But the tribal businesses are the only ones I know of who actually state on their Job applications that they give hiring preference to Native Americans. How is this? This thread isnt meant to stir the pot, I'm just curious. Could someone in the know please enlighten us?

The tribes are sovereign nations and thereby not bound by the labor laws. If you know about contracting you know that any work on reservation property must have a certain percentage of native American workers. Just like work for the state or county or Federal government has "prevailing wage" and minority hiring percentage requirements. You don;t see too many non-Chinese working in a Chinese restaurant either do you.

Grandpa and Aunty M, Nice to see a couple of familiar faces still hanging around the board. You two might recognize me under my old moniker..... LittleZoZo. I havent posted in a couple of years (been working too much) And Man has this board changed a lot, members wise. Hope you've both been well.
As for the tribes not being bound to our labor laws: I didnt realize that the tribes Didnt have to abide by any of our labor laws, I mean, they still have to pay minimum wage, L&I, and unemployment insurance, dont they?
And no, I never have done any work on an Indian reservation, nor am I familiar with any Union contractors (as far as my craft is concerned) who have done much in the lines of construction on the reservations. There is currently a hotel being built on the Chehalis reservation, and being layed of right now, I approached the construction crew who is building it, figurung they might need an operator or a welder. I was told rather bluntly that I was a "bit too pale" to get hired onto that particular project. I was later told that the construction company building the hotel is owned and operated by the Chehalis Tribe and was put together for the sole purpose of building this new hotel. I dont know if that's true or not, a buddy who works at the casino gave me that little tidbit. Anyhow, I find it perplexing, to say the least, that a less qualified person would get a job simply based on the fact he or she is a tribal member. I know that on stat and federal jobs there are minority requirements, and just for the record, I dont agree with that either. thanks for the clarification.