Harry Hurley Late Breaking News

News Release
December 12, 2008

Contact:     Donna DeCaprio, Financial Secretary Treasurer
                  609 344-5400 ext. 139 or 609 432-4880, Cell

Local Union Sets Workshop
For Laid-off Members

Atlantic City . . . The nation’s current economic recession and competition from slot parlors in neighboring states has adversely affected Atlantic City’s casino industry, resulting in lost jobs for local casino workers. The local union that represents food servers, housekeepers, public area attendants and bartenders has put together a workshop designed to help its members, who have lost their jobs, deal with their new status and the problems that they may possibly face.
     On Tuesday, December 16 and again on Wednesday, December 17, UNITE HERE Local 54, the hotel and restaurant employees union that represents more than 15,000 casino hotel workers in Atlantic City, will conduct a one-day workshop to help its members deal with industry layoffs, or even the threat of layoffs. Specialists will be on hand to inform members on benefits and health care information, energy assistance, credit counseling, food assistance, career training counseling as well as United Way support. The workshop was created and assembled by Donna DeCaprio, Financial Secretary Treasurer of Local 54.
     “"Due to the current economic climate and the impact that Pennsylvania gaming has had on our industry, Local 54 has lost approximately 3% of its membership to layoffs. We have coordinated this Resource Workshop for affected members so that they can become educated on how to negotiate with creditors, apply for assistance and
secure health benefits, says DeCaprio. “We are also providing our laid-off members with diapers, formula, coats and supermarket gift cards for holiday meals. This workshop will hopefully give Local 54 members the tools that they need to get through this difficult time."
     The workshops will take place on both days from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Atlantic City’s Dante Hall, 14 North Mississippi Avenue. Interested persons will have to prove Local 54 membership to gain entry.
     Further information can be obtained by calling 609 344-5400, Extension 136.
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