CLEVELAND, Ohio - Unions representing workers at Horseshoe Casino Cleveland have gotten their first contract with the casino's owners.

Workers overwhelmingly ratified the five-year contract Thursday, according to the unions and the company. Over the life of the contract, workers will receive raises totaling 9.6 percent. Dealers, cashiers and valets are among the more than 1,000 workers covered by the contract.

Horseshoe Cleveland was developed by Rock Gaming in partnership with Caesars Entertainment Inc. The workers are represented by the Cleveland Cincinnati Ohio Casino Workers Council (CCOCWC), a coalition of unions including the United Auto Workers, United Steelworkers, Teamsters and UNITE HERE. The coalition has represented casino employees since August 2012. Horseshoe Casino Cleveland opened in May of that year, as Ohio's first casino.

"The workers have won a comprehensive agreement with an arbitration process, and improvements in wages, benefits and working conditions," said UAW Region 2B Region Director Ken Lortz in a news release. "We look forward to working with Rock Ohio Caesars to create the best workplace environment for casino workers as they continue to deliver first-class service to Horseshoe Casino Cleveland customers."

Karen Kaminski, vice president of human resources at Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, said the company was pleased with the contract.

"As an entertainment company, we strive to provide an engaging work environment that enables our team members to have fun while earning a competitive wage and benefits package and providing world class service," she said. "Horseshoe Casino Cleveland worked diligently with the Council over the last 18 months to reach a fair agreement that benefits our team members and our guests."

Other features of the contract include one-time bonuses of $1,000 for full-time employees and up to $750 for part-time workers. The agreement also recognizes seniority rights, guarantees secured free parking for the life of the contract and meals on-the-job at reduced cost.

In addition, the contract grants employees more flexibility in taking days off, seniority shift and start time preferences and the ability to switch shifts with co-workers.

The coalition of unions also represents Horseshoe Cincinnati, which opened in March 2013. Contract negotiations for those workers will begin soon, the union said.