A federal judge in Las Vegas has ordered Station Casinos to negotiate a contract with the Culinary Union that covers more than 1,350 non-gaming employees at the company’s Red Rock Resort, despite workers voting down the representation nearly 18 months ago.

In a 34-page ruling dated Tuesday, U.S. District Court Judge Gloria Navarro agreed with arguments by the National Labor Relations Board’s regional office that the casino operator’s announcement of a new incentives and benefits package for employees was timed to interfere with the union election at the company’s flagship property in Summerlin.

In her ruling, Navarro suggested the NLRB’s regional director would likely prevail in a trial in front of the national board.