Strike at Taj Mahaj remains in place

The workers entered their second week of the strike on Friday July against Trump Taj Mahal’s owner Carl Icahn.

US.- The strike at Trump Taj Mahal entered week two on Friday with over 900 Local 54 Unite Here hospitality workers participating on it.

Whilst the workers of the other four Atlantic City casinos which were threatening to strike reached agreements on the eve of the walk-out, the Trump Taj Mahal and Unite Here Local 54 failed to reach an agreement which resulted in staff including housekeepers, servers, cooks and bellmen at casino were to  walked off the job.

At this point it seems that both sides are preparing for what could potentially be a long contract dispute beginning with the two months when Atlantic City casinos gross more than any other time of the year. No talks have been scheduled, so far.

After Carl Icahn took over the Taj Mahal last year, he got a bankruptcy court to strip the unionised members of their health and pension benefits. Failure to reinstate the workers benefit could result in a precedent being set that other casinos might eventually follow. This is the main reason why picketers are digging in for the long haul.

Diana Hussein, the union spokeswoman said that the striking workers “had a major boost over the holiday weekend,” and, “It was almost like a party out there. It was fun for them. They’re ready to keep going and go as long as it takes to get their fair contract.”

Unite Here press release reads: “We have said from the beginning that it is impossible to revitalise Atlantic City unless the casino industry offers good jobs that let workers support their families. Four other casinos have recognised that simple fact, and it’s a shame that the Trump Taj Mahal can’t get with the program.”