In June, the Twin River Casino of Rhode Island saw its food and beverage employees walk out for a brief time period on strike due to cuts to their healthcare plan. Just a few weeks ago, the valets of the casino were also set to face cuts to their healthcare offerings and announced a plan was in the works to go on strike. The valet workers officially went on strike as of Friday afternoon after failing to reach an agreement with management of the casino.

Twin River Casino spokesperson Patti Doyle stated that employees with the union went on strike yesterday. Previous reports had suggested that the strike was to take place at around 3pm yesterday which would be just a few hours before William Royce “Boz” Scaggs was set to perform at the casino. Employees actually walked out around 1:30pm. According to Doyle, the negotiations are ongoing and the casino will continue to ‘negotiate in good faith’ with the union that is representing the valet parking attendants in a sincere effort to see if an agreement can be reached.

Doyle stated further that arrangements had been made to continue with guest satisfaction to provide valet parking services while the attendants are taking part in the work stoppage.  The valets plan on going on a two-day strike in the hopes of convincing the management of the casino to stop health care coverage cuts.

A picket line is currently in progress according to the Providence Journal and will continue throughout the night time hours until 7am on Sunday. Two days ago, both sides were able to agree on job-security language but the health care plan is still a major issue that has yet to be resolved. According to Teamsters Principle Officer Matthew Maini, the casino’s plan would have total deductibles at $12,000 for family coverage in some instances which is too high for the union valets to be able to handle while making $4.50 an hour plus tips.