Casino Workers Win Big
Workforces, represented by Unite Here Local 54, celebrate the ratification of a new contract in August after tense negotiations with two casinos in Atlantic City nearly led to a strike in July. How to tell the story of the win in three tweets?
Solidarity. The members of the casino union Unite Here Local 54 pulled together in the run-up to a strike authorization vote in the middle of July.
Action. The workers demonstrated they were not afraid to stand up for their labor rights by voting to authorize a strike with a 97% yes majority.
Win. The threat of a strike helped bring Golden Nugget and Resorts back to the negotiating table. A new contract was drawn up and met the approval of 99% of union membership.
Workers at the two casinos had been working without a contract since June 1. They now join the ranks of workforces at 7 other casinos in Atlantic City that hammered out a new contract in July. Golden Nuggets and Resorts had been dragging their heels. Without a strike authorization, they still might be. Heather Fletcher of NJGamblingSites.com reported the basic outline of benefits in the new contract:
“Substantial” wage increases for all classifications, including both tipped and non-tipped employees, retroactive to June 1.
Maintaining fully funded family healthcare and pensions, including language that protects jobs and increases work opportunities, and new technology protections.
Improvements to housekeeping workloads
When we fight, we win.
