Hard Rock International secured a last-minute deal with union reps over the weekend which abandoned plans for a strike over the holiday weekend.
Unite Here – the union representing 1500 Hard Rock Atlantic City staff members – announced it had reached a ‘tentative agreement’ with the casino to avoid a strike that was scheduled to take place on Sunday.
Securing the agreement meant that Atlantic City could remain open to capitalize on a busy holiday weekend following tough economic conditions for the casino industry throughout the last two years.
A Unite Here statement announcing the deal read: “The union’s worker negotiating committee at the property have approved the agreement and will set a date for a ratification vote from the entire membership soon.
“Seven of the nine casinos in Atlantic City now have agreements in place with the union Local 54. Golden Nugget and Resorts have yet to reach new agreements.”
The dispute arose from concerns over pay, with workers calling for a significant rise in remuneration in the wake of increasing prices globally for fuel, food and rent.
Speaking to Yahoo, Jim Allen, Chair of Hard Rock International, expressed his delight at securing a new deal with the casino’s workers.
He noted: “We are extremely pleased that we were once again able to reach a successful settlement with Unite Here Local 54 to increase wages and benefits for our deserving team members.
“We look forward to further expanding this excellent relationship at both the national and local levels as we expand our iconic brand.”
