ATLANTIC CITY--Casinos across the nation are feeling the effects of the economic crisis...and a local union president says they're working with the casinos during these hard times.

The President of Unite Here Local 54, Robert McDevitt, says the lay-offs were not unexpected because of the continuing decline of the economy, as well as the smoking ban controversy the city has been dealing with over the last few months.

But, McDevitt says the Hilton, who is laying off employees this week and other employers, who made cuts last week, are working with them, "Even today {Friday}, we were having conversations with the Hilton discussing ways to deal with the lay-offs to give possibly some extended leave and try and soften this as much as possible to the workers," said McDevitt.

He also believes business will be a little better after the 75-25 smoking ban goes back into effect at the city's casinos on Sunday.