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DEALERS RALLY FOR FAIR CONTRACT IN A.C.
Jennifer Husko ( jhusko@nbc40.net ) - 5/2/09 08:47 pm
Last Updated - 5/4/09 03:58 pm
ATLANTIC CITY-- Casino workers and supporters took to the streets and rallied outside of Caesars to inform the public about the unfair treatment of casino workers in the gaming resort. Jennifer Husko has more from this evening's rally.
Just over two years ago, more than 80 percent of Caesars full and part time dealers, keno and simulcast employees voted in favor of forming their own union. In the months that followed, Trump Plaza, Bally's, Tropicana, and then Caesars and Tropicana's slot technicians followed suit. And today, the Gaming Workers Council comprised of the unions and those that believe they have been dealt an unfair hand, once again, stand united for one thing…fair Contracts.
To get the word out, they have placed newspaper, radio and billboard ads that can be heard and seen coming into the city. "We're not asking for anything that's unfair, we're just asking for what all workers want...good paying, full time jobs like they promised, job security and good health benefits," said Al Welenz, Dealer at Tropicana.
Through their efforts, they believe a contract will eventually be negotiated, but until that day comes, they will continue to educate people that stay and more importantly, play in Atlantic City. "We saw the billboards as we were coming in, so we were talking about it on the way down." like most people passing by; Nancy Padavano, is listening and learning about the casino workers struggles. "I feel horrible because they're making so much money at the top and the workers who are here helping to make the money are not getting compensated for it."
By working together, the group is organizing, educating and rallying for justice...because they say when workers are treated unfairly, everyone loses...and that's not something to gamble with. "We're going to keep doing this until we get a contract.”
A spokeswoman for Harrah's Entertainment released a statement regarding today's rally. She says quote, "We find it distressing that the UAW would attempt to disrupt our city and our business, potentially hurting those they claim to represent by engaging in these distracting and negative activities,” and continues to say, "Harrah's remains committed to continued good-faith bargaining with the UAW in order to reach a mutually acceptable agreement that is in the best interest of the company’s 14,000 team members, their families, valued guests and the entire Atlantic City market.”
Just over two years ago, more than 80 percent of Caesars full and part time dealers, keno and simulcast employees voted in favor of forming their own union. In the months that followed, Trump Plaza, Bally's, Tropicana, and then Caesars and Tropicana's slot technicians followed suit. And today, the Gaming Workers Council comprised of the unions and those that believe they have been dealt an unfair hand, once again, stand united for one thing…fair Contracts.
To get the word out, they have placed newspaper, radio and billboard ads that can be heard and seen coming into the city. "We're not asking for anything that's unfair, we're just asking for what all workers want...good paying, full time jobs like they promised, job security and good health benefits," said Al Welenz, Dealer at Tropicana.
Through their efforts, they believe a contract will eventually be negotiated, but until that day comes, they will continue to educate people that stay and more importantly, play in Atlantic City. "We saw the billboards as we were coming in, so we were talking about it on the way down." like most people passing by; Nancy Padavano, is listening and learning about the casino workers struggles. "I feel horrible because they're making so much money at the top and the workers who are here helping to make the money are not getting compensated for it."
By working together, the group is organizing, educating and rallying for justice...because they say when workers are treated unfairly, everyone loses...and that's not something to gamble with. "We're going to keep doing this until we get a contract.”
A spokeswoman for Harrah's Entertainment released a statement regarding today's rally. She says quote, "We find it distressing that the UAW would attempt to disrupt our city and our business, potentially hurting those they claim to represent by engaging in these distracting and negative activities,” and continues to say, "Harrah's remains committed to continued good-faith bargaining with the UAW in order to reach a mutually acceptable agreement that is in the best interest of the company’s 14,000 team members, their families, valued guests and the entire Atlantic City market.”
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