Atlantic City’s Trump Taj Mahal casino continues to make headlines for all the wrong reasons after owner Carl Icahn withdrew an offer to restore health insurance for the property’s striking workers.
Having come into the spotlight as part of the current US Presidential campaign – with Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton highlighting the property’s financial struggles when owned by Donald Trump – the Trump Taj Mahal has remained in the spotlight thanks to ongoing strike action.
The latest drama comes after the workers’ union refused to accept Icahn’s offer, with union boss Bob McDevitt saying it was “essentially half” what employees at other casinos received.
“Can you imagine what it is like to work in this city – to spend your days doing the backbreaking work of cleaning hotel rooms or walking all over the casino floor serving drinks in high heels – without health insurance?” McDevitt said.
“Part of the reason the property continues to do poorly is because of how it has treated its workforce.”
Icahn’s company, Tropicana Entertainment, replied by saying the offer had been withdrawn permanently due to the union failing to give its members a vote.
Around 1,000 workers from the Trump Taj Mahal’s housekeeping and F&B departments went on strike on 1 July, although dealers and security continue to work.
The casino went bankrupt in 2014 before a rescue package was offered which included a court order removing workers’ health plans.
