Workers at Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino Strike Over Low Pay
387
In early October, Union organizers planned a rally to voice opposition to the poor pay that Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino workers get. On October 13, members of Laborers Local 413, Teamsters Local 107, and Unite Here Local 54 demonstrated support for casino employees in front of Harrah’s Philadelphia.
Harrah’s Philadelphia Workers are on Strike
Unite Here Local 54 is the representative of 150 workers at Harrah’s Philadelphia in negotiations with the casino. Among them are drink servers, bartenders, cashiers, and warehouse workers.
According to the President of Unite Here Local 54, Donna DeCaprio, the workers do not get adequate compensation and, in some situations, are paid less than $10 per hour. Harrah’s Philadelphia had declined to submit a reasonable salary proposal to the union by the deadline of June 30. Subsequently, DeCaprio organized labor union members and staff to stage a three-hour public picket line outside Harrah’s Philadelphia.
According to DeCaprio, the corporation makes great wage promises in its mission statement. But the workers don’t get paid that money, it’s just on paper.
About 150 people showed up for the demonstration and, according to DeCaprio, it was the first time the union had to take public action. She also revealed that over thirty percent of the staff at Harrah’s Philadelphia are dependent on government aid.
That rally will involve a social media campaign, which is currently being organized. According to DeCaprio, a number of employees had shown up for a hearing before the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) last month. She said that she would continue to rely on the PGCB for assistance.
