More than 6,000 workers at five major casinos in Atlantic City are set to strike in demand of a new union contract that significantly raises wages for workers, who say they’ve sacrificed pay in previous contracts and are struggling as the cost of living and inflation has significantly increased.

“We need to be compensated for being loyal to the company, and we deserve a raise and a better quality of life.” “We are working six days a week and we’re working overtime at least four of those days,” said Sanchez. Her hotel has eliminated daily room cleaning, so she is cleaning dirtier rooms, while rushing to keep up with checkout rooms as well. She makes $16.25 an hour and is pushing for a wage increase to account for the rising cost of living and to attract workers, as her department has been severely understaffed, which has contributed to increased workloads and a lot of overtime.

“I have to think about which bill to pay at the end of the month because I have to have the money either for the rent or for the bills and then I’ll pay the other with the next check.”

Casino worker strike