Local 54 of UNITE HERE, Atlantic City’s largest casino workers union is negotiating with Mt. Sinai Health System in a move which could settle major benefit disputes with the city’s Taj Mahal casino, the Press of Atlantic City reported.
“The specifics are not completely drawn up,” union President Bob McDevitt told the paper. “But the proposal involves Mt. Sinai offering health care unique to the area based upon its world-class health system.”
The union provides primary care to union members through its health center in Atlantic City with specialty care offered through other providers. Lowering those healthcare costs could have a significant impact on the union’s dealings with the Taj Mahal and other casino employers, the Press reported.
A federal judge allowed the Trump Taj Mahal to end workers’ health and pension benefits as part of its lengthy bankruptcy proceedings. That prompted an appeal by the union and set off a bitter fight between union members and billionaire Carl Icahn, who is attempting to take over the property.
Atlantic City casinos, including Tropicana Casino and Resort, which Icahn owns, help bankroll health care for 54-represented workers by contributing to UNITE HERE Health, a national health fund run jointly by union and casino representatives, the Press reported.
