Nearly Two-Thousand Hospitality Workers to Gain Industry Wages and Benefits
The New Jersey State AFL-CIO congratulates the officers, bargaining committee, and members of UNITE HERE Local 54 on ratifying their first contract at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
In an overwhelming majority vote of 99.6%, Hard Rock employees ratified the contract Thursday, ending more than six months of negotiations between UNITE HERE Local 54 and the casino. The contract provides 1,780 workers industry wages along with health & welfare and severance fund benefits.
“This was a hard-fought victory, and we recognize the strength and solidarity of the officers, bargaining committee, and members of UNITE HERE Local 54,” said Charles Wowkanech, president of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO. “This local has done tremendous work bargaining on behalf of their members, and this new contract not only provides Hard Rock employees the industry wage and benefits they deserve, but it also raises the standards for all of Atlantic City’s casino workers.”
UNITE HERE Local 54 remains one of the key voices in South Jersey’s hospitality industry. With this new contract, the local now represents nearly 10,000 casino employees in Atlantic City. Their members include housekeepers, bartenders, cooks, bellmen, and other service jobs.
The New Jersey State AFL-CIO is extremely proud of the work this local has done to organize and strengthen the voice of New Jersey’s working families.