Victory in Atlantic City

The Casinos have settled with Unite Here Local 54. While this is a five rather than three year contract, it's also the best contract workers in Atlantic city have ever won, by all reports.

• A 28.3% increase in the total economic package (wages,
  
  healthcare & pension contributions) over the life of the
  
  agreement;

  
  
  A 91% increase in employer healthcare contributions – plus more if
  
  needed in the 4th and 5th years of the contract – to continue fully employer
  
  paid family healthcare coverage with no paycheck deductions. Employers will also
  
  begin paying healthcare contributions on all hours, so Local 54 members will no
  
  longer have substantial out-of-pocket costs when taking vacations;
  
  Protection from subcontracting now and in the future. No Local 54 member can
  
  lose their job, hours, wages or seniority from any subcontracting, and Atlantic
  
  City’s future growth and expansion will be done with good, middle-class Union
  
  jobs;

  
  
  Protection of Local 54 members and their Union
  
  contract in the event a casino is sold to a new owner;
  
  Restoration of the
  
  ‘step’ system of wage increases that provide significant raises as employees’
  
  years of service grow, and additional employer money added on the top ‘step’ and
  
  in bonuses;
  
  A 51% increase in employer pension contributions over the life
  
  of the contract, resulting in one of the best retirement plans for hospitality
  
  industry workers in the country;
  
  Many other contract improvements, including
  
  protection for immigrant workers, improvements in leave of absence and
  
  promotional language, a voluntary 401K administered by the employer, and a
  
  stronger shop steward system.