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Indiana Casino Workers Threaten to Strike

INDIANA – As reported by the Indianapolis Star: "About 850 unionized workers at four northwest Indiana casinos have threatened to walk off the job next month if they can't agree to a new contract with riverboat companies.

"Members of UNITE HERE Local 1 are fighting for higher wages and better health insurance benefits from the Blue Chip, Harrah's, Majestic Star and Trump casinos.

"In 2003, the average earnings -- including salary, tips and benefits -- for employees at Trump was $27,665, while Majestic Star employees earned an average of $35,875, according to their most recent evaluations commissioned by the Indiana Gaming Commission. The average salary in 2001 for Blue Chip workers was $33,236, while Harrah's employees earned $30,200, according to their most recent evaluations.

"The union has been negotiating with the riverboats since September, when 93 percent of the union workers voted to authorize a strike. Union contracts have now expired.

"To send their message to the companies and the northwestern Indiana community, the union is sponsoring a rally for riverboat workers Tuesday at Harrah's in East Chicago…"

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