Members of several unions united Tuesday morning to urge the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to support a referendum that would allow voters to decide whether a casino and entertainment district is approved for Tysons, Virginia.

Union workers and supporters rallied outside the Fairfax County Government Center to ask the board to approve a ballot referendum before the new legislative session for Old Dominion begins in 2025.

The rally drew members from various organizations, including the Northern Virginia AFL-CIO, Unite Here Local 23, Building Trades Union, SEIU Local 32BJ, and Fairfax County Federation of Teachers.

Unions from several organizations are known collectively as the Fairfax County Jobs Coalition

Known collectively as the Fairfax County Jobs Coalition, the attendees advocated the potential economic and tax benefits that a casino could bring to the region.

Furthermore, the coalition emphasized that a casino could create over 5,000 well-paying union jobs offering great benefits. The facility may generate $350 million in new annual tax revenue as well.

Rafael Cruz, who works with a hospitality union, said the jobs are life-changing in times of inflation and economic uncertainty, “You can see … the benefit in wages.”

Virginia Diamond, president of the Northern Virginia AFL-CIO, told WTOP News the casino would create jobs that would “lift people out of poverty” and make buying homes and renting more affordable in Northern Virginia.

“We have agreements in place that will allow more than 5,000 workers to be able to choose freely. [They can decide] to become part of a union. And having a union job is life-changing,” Diamond said.

Additionally, union members are hoping the casino will assist in dropping property taxes.

“Every year my property taxes go up. I know this is going to bring a lot of tax revenue. … That would take the load off my back,” said Nelson Aguilar, a county resident and union carpenter.

Casino would bring in more commercial tax revenue for schools and other county services

Unions that wouldn’t see direct jobs also support the project, according to The Associated Press. An economic boost would also help raise commercial tax revenue for communities.

David Walrod, president of the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers, said in a statement, “This is an important opportunity to bring in more commercial tax revenue for schools and other county services, which is sorely needed.”

Per WTOP News’ Luke Lukert, a study conducted in 2019 by the Joint Legislative Audit & Review Commission found that a Northern Virginia casino could generate as much as $155 million annually in tax revenue.

In February, Virginia’s Senate Finance and Appropriations committee voted against a bill that would have allowed the county to have a ballot referendum on building a casino.

Instead, the committee decided to carry the bill over to next year’s session.

Those against the Tysons Corner Casino argue that the facility will hurt local businesses and property values. The facility would also increase traffic in the area.

Democratic Sen. Jennifer Boysko, who represents parts of Fairfax County, is among those who opposes the casino.

“This is where Fortune 500 companies have come to make their home,” Boysko said of Tysons Corner during the session. “This is not something that Fortune 500s would like to have in their community.”

The No Tysons Casino Coalition, an opposition group, has planned its own rally for this Sunday, Oct. 27. Boysko is expected to attend.