Hundreds of casino workers and people of all religious faiths joined for a vigil yesterday evening in Atlantic City. The vigil, which proceeded down the Boardwalk to the Shiloh Baptist Church, was an opportunity for prayer and a showing of solidarity for the 8,000 workers in Atlantic City casinos who have either lost their jobs or work in properties slated to close in a matter of weeks.
The closure of the Atlantic Club in January and the impending closures of Revel, Showboat, and Trump Plaza have sent shockwaves through the local and state economy while leaving thousands of individuals and families who depend on these jobs for their livelihood with few places to turn.
Therefore, our fight to keep these properties open and find suitable buyers must continue. However our long-term goal must be to work with our elected officials, businesses, and community stakeholders to build a sustainable model for Atlantic City which allows the local economy to thrive and produces good jobs on which workers can raise a family.
We will support these workers every step of the way during these harrowing times. In our solidarity, there is hope for the future. Please join us by keeping your thoughts and prayers with all of our union brothers and sisters from UNITE HERE! Local 54, IUOE 68, IUPAT D.C. 711, Carpenters 255, and the Teamsters as well as the entire Atlantic City community.