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Casino Hotel Workers Vote On Possible Strike

Thousands of casino-hotel workers in Atlantic City will vote on a possible strike Wednesday, according to their union.

Tropicana Atlantic City

Tropicana Atlantic City

Photo Credit: Tropicana AC Facebook

They seek significant pay hikes in their contracts which expired on May 31, the union said.

Bethany Holmes, a spokeswoman for Local 54 of Unite Here, the main union representing workers at nine Atlantic City casinos, said more than 6,000 members are eligible to vote.

"We expect the response to be quite strong,'' she said on Monday, June 13.

After contracts expired on May 31, workers picketed on the Boardwalk to demand raises.

Holmes previously declined to say how much of a raise the union is seeking but said it's meant to keep up with inflation and the cost of living. 

There are currently about 500 vacancies for housekeepers in Atlantic City hotels, and union officials blame low salaries for much of that disparity.

In addition to housekeepers, Local 54 represents food and beverage workers, bartenders and catering staff.

Wednesday's vote runs from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

As the industry’s gaming revenues and profits surpass pre-pandemic levels, wages for Atlantic City’s casino workers have not kept pace, the union said in a Monday, June 13 news release.

In a recent UNITE HERE survey of 1,934 casino workers, 61% reported they struggled to pay their rent or mortgage on time in the past year. 32% reported they lacked money for food, and 37% for utilities. The survey can be accessed by clicking here. 

Wednesday's vote puts the decision of whether to strike or not, and when, in the hands of the worker negotiating committee.

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