NYT: Casino Strike In Atlantic City Lingers With No End In Sight

Kirk Townsel, a cook at the Hilton, said he saved $2,000

before the strike, which will have to carry him and his three children until

January. But he hopes to be back before Thanksgiving. He would not, though,

cross the picket line, he said.

"No, sir, not at all," said Mr. Townsel, 47.

"We're standing outside to let the management know that we're humans too - we

have to make decisions for ourselves."

The union increased its strike pay

from $200 to $300 last week to help its members hold on, and there are food

banks and social service workers at the union hall to make calls to creditors.

Other unions are also contributing money and manpower.

"If this was just

about the five-year contract, I'd go back tomorrow," said Dianna Coco-Tischler,

43, who quit her job as a preschool teacher outside Philadelphia for a

waitressing job at the Showboat that paid $600 to $700 a week. "But the

subcontracting is the No. 1 thing, and I'll stay out on strike for that, because

those could be our jobs they're giving away."