There’s been billions invested in new product and the market is attracting a higher echelon clientele.

However, there have been several unanticipated events giving these gaming gurus massive migraines. First came the legalization of slot parlors in nearby Pennsylvania, which is siphoning off business. Then this week a new anti smoking law came into play knocking smoking off 75 percent of the casino floor. It’s expected the casinos will be smoke free within a year or so. Next up is the specter of a massive new casino just north of New York City, which will further dent Atlantic City’s profits. 

And now here come the unions. This week the third casino in the market is looking for union representation. At Caesars Atlantic City an overwhelming majority of workers voted in favor of union representation in an election conducted on March 17 by a margin of 572 to 128 to become part of the UAW.

“We’re delighted for workers at Caesars. This huge victory is the first step in a larger effort by dealers across Atlantic City to form their own union,” said UAW Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth Bunn, who heads the union’s Technical, Office and Professional Department. “The next step is to work with Caesars management to secure a first contract that benefits casino workers and the gaming industry in New Jersey.”

The new bargaining unit at Caesars includes table game dealers, keno and simulcast workers. Dealers’ issues include low pay, meager health benefits, no seniority rights and poor treatment on the job.

Over at Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, dealers also voted in favor of union representation last weekend. Full-time and regular part-time dealers, as well as dual-rate dealers and dual-rate supervisors voted 324 to 149 to become part of the UAW.

"The election victory is superb news for Trump Plaza dealers and all Atlantic City dealers. Their courage and determination makes us proud to stand with them as they work to make their jobs and their lives better," said Bunn "We look forward to bargaining with Trump Plaza management to secure a great first contract that benefits casino workers and the gaming industry in New Jersey."

Of course management’s point of view is not so favorable of the union’s perceived encroachment into their operations.

Tom Hickey, a spokesman for Trump Entertainment Resorts, which owns Trump Taj Mahal and Trump Marin as well as Trump Plaza told the AP he doesn’t believe the unions have a true interest in assisting the workers. "The UAW does not provide them with any real solutions to an improved working environment."

At Trump Marina, the unions are also trying to garner enough support to hold an election. To qualify for a vote more than half of workers must sign cards indicating they would like a vote to unionize. Hickey said some employees have asked how to take back cards they signed indicating support for the union. Hickey also questioned the timing of the Trump Marina petition, calling it a "publicity stunt" aimed at affecting the outcome of Saturday's vote at Trump Plaza.

At the Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort, Anthony Rodio, regional president of the two casinos, told the AP a union would inject an unnecessary third party into already complex dealings between workers and management. He said the UAW has been signing up potential members at his two casinos as well, but cautioned that 170 Hilton employees have asked to rescind their union cards, arguing they did not fully understand what they were signing.

The UAW has represented dealers, cage cashiers and slot technicians at Detroit's three casinos since 1999.

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