On Tuesday, the management of the Tropicana Casino of Atlantic City and the UNITE-HERE Local 54 met to negotiate terms for members of the union, with the meeting not going as planned, at least according to the Local 54. On Friday night, hundreds of union supporters picketed the Tropicana in response to the outcome of the negotiations.

The Local 54 represents close to 9,600 workers in the hospitality sector of Atlantic City. During the negotiation meeting, the union offered a proposal and the management of the Tropicana did not agree to the proposal, nor did they make a counter-offer. A follow-up session was also never discussed, according to the Press of Atlantic City.

September 2014 marked the expiration of the collective bargaining agreements of the union, but the most of the contracts were extended temporarily. The negotiations with the Tropicana were supposed to begin an extended time frame of bargaining for the union to make new deals for members.

Every one of the expired contracts, except one, have most-favored employer clauses which requires the union group to offer casinos deals that are similar in regards to benefits and wagers. Essentially, the talks with the Tropicana could impact the discussions with other casinos and determine if concessions will or will not be sought by the industry.

The negotiations at the Tropicana are of particular interest due to the fact that the resort is owned by businessman Carl Icahn. Icahn is also the owner of the Trump Taj Mahal Casino where he eliminated benefits for employees, including pension and health. It has not been made clear as to if Icahn will do the same at the Tropicana.