Trump Taj Mahal workers take to the picket lines

Health insurance the bone of contention for owners and workers

Hospitality

By Allie Sanchez

A breakdown in contract negotiations drove Trump Taj Mahal workers to the picket lines late last week.

Workers in the Atlantic City casino have threatened owners with a strike in recent weeks as the latter remained noncommittal in contract negotiations.

Health insurance was at the core of the workers’ demands. Unite Here Local 54 workers’ union spokesman Ben Begleiter said that the Trump Taj Mahal has not offered a substantial offer to cover its workers’ needs.

Unite Here represents around 1,000 Trump Taj Mahal workers.

Full health coverage has been a mainstay in the roster of benefits of casino workers in Atlantic City, but has dissipated over the years as the industry grappled with bankruptcies and fierce competition from neighbouring states.

Eric Icahn, majority owner of the Trump Taj Mahal, won approval from bankruptcy court to write off union pensions and health insurance benefits for workers when he took over the casino.

Begleiter said workers took pay cuts over the years to maintain free family health care benefits. He added that cutting health insurance is “a double slap in the face” for union members.
 

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