Resorts Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, was able to reach a new agreement with the casino workers union, marking the latest facility in the region to do so. Now the Golden Nugget remains the last casino in Atlantic City that does not have a new agreement. Plans are for officials of the casino to negotiate today with the Local 54.

The Resorts Casino Deal

According to union president Bob McDevitt, Resorts agreed to a union deal with the same terms as the larger casinos in the region did not long ago. Employees in the housekeeping sector will enjoy a pay increase to $22 an hour by the time the four-year contract is over.

Agreements also include fully funded family health care plans and pension benefits. Certain language was included in the bill that provides job protection and increases employee work opportunities. There are also new technology protections in place.

Mark Giannantonio, the president of Resorts, stated that the agreement is a great deal, and the casino is thrilled for the employees. Giannantonio pointed out that the employees have been working really hard for the company, and the casino is happy to put this behind them and move forward.

The Golden Nugget has until July 30 to sign a new contract. If one is not agreed upon, the union has authorized a strike to take place. We shall see if a new deal is signed in the coming days.

Earlier Contracts Signed with Larger Casinos

It is unclear as to why negotiations took longer for Resorts Casino and the Golden Nugget. The existing union contracts were voided at the end of May, and casinos were in negotiations for quite some time before new agreements were signed.

Hard Rock Casino, Tropicana, Harrah’s, Caesar’s, and the Borgata were facing a strike in early July, with compacts signed right before the strike deadline. It was a close call, but the venues were able to avoid a strike during the busy Fourth of July weekend in Atlantic City.

Bally’s and Ocean Casino Resort created agreements early on, signing what is known as a ‘me-too’ deal. The casinos agreed to take on the terms of contracts signed by the larger casinos in the region. This time around, the union was seeking larger pay raises for employees due to the affects of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the current inflation rates.

With higher pay raises, employees would be able to take care of gas, food, rent, and other expenses.