Panel Attempts to Spot Mobsters in Nevada Unions
A rule aimed at spotting mobsters who infiltrate unions in Nevada has been adopted by the Nevada Gaming Commission over protests of union executives who say the plan is unconstitutional.
Claude (Blackie) Evans, executive secretary-treasurer of the state AFL-CIO, said after the commission’s unanimous vote Thursday that the national AFL-CIO and its affiliated international unions probably will go to court in an effort to erase the rule.
Under the rule, names of union officers and business agents, any employees involved in contract negotiations or dues collections, or consultants on gaming-related matters must be filed with the Control Board.
After the list is filed, the state also will seek addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, dates and places of birth, any criminal history, fingerprints and photographs of those on the list.
The international labor groups contend that the state plan, effective April 1, covers an area that Congress has reserved for regulation by federal law, Evans added.
But Gaming Commission Chairman Paul Bible said the rule was mandated by a 1975 Nevada law.
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