Strike hits Atlantic City casinos

The strike, in the famous New Jersey gambling resort on the US east coast, is over wages, health care and the encroachment of non-unionised labour.

The main union says its members want a new three-year contract, but no new talks with management are yet planned.

Now in its third day, the strike has not caused any casinos to close.

Vocal picketing

Visitors to the Atlantic City are instead having to walk past noisy picket lines, and according to some reports, slower service and paper plates at some casino restaurants.

"We gotta' do what we gotta' do, rain or shine," said Bernard Bryant, 54, a striking room service cashier at Resorts Atlantic City.

"We're not asking for any unreasonable demands."

The strike is affecting the following casinos - Bally's Atlantic City, Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah's Atlantic City, Showboat Hotel-Casino, the Atlantic City Hilton, Resorts Atlantic City and the Tropicana Casino and Resort.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3711384.stm