Harrahs Casino Hotel deals with economy and UAW labor disputes

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.examiner.com/x-13590-New-Orleans-Conservative-Examiner~y2009m8d30-Harrahs-Casino-Hotel-deals-with-economy-and-UAW-labor-disputes

August 30, 1:38 PMNew Orleans Conservative ExaminerClifford Bryan

Harrahs Hotel Casino has been dealing with the slow economy like everybody else . They have recently cut down on dealer hours and stopped hiring as many third party vendors across the board at all of their locations. To keep up with the slow economy they have started to go down on the minimum cost to play a hand at many table games . Some table games that in the past required a $25 wager have been reduced to $15 to get the action rolling . Everybody knows that gambling is big business so in all probability Harrahs hotel casino knew before anyone including Ben Bernanke that their gambling profits would be taking a hit this year . Harrahs should make it through the recession in good shape despite the economy because they have loyal costumers who enjoy the gaming experience .

In Atlantic City Harrahs is dealing with labor disputes that has taken on bigger implications since the dealers and technicians joined the United Auto Workers (UAW) labor union . The UAW-represented workers contend that Harrah's Entertainment has not bargained in good faith with them at two of its casinos - Caesars and Bally's - where they work.

The UAW workers say they have been denied a contract since they joined the union more than two years ago.

Harrah's Entertainment said it had no comment.

Earlier this month, the group received some outside support, when the 1.4 million-member American Federation of Teachers pledged not to hold conferences or meetings at any Harrah's property nationally as long as the company continued "to stonewall in contract negotiations" with the UAW workers."

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