Steelworkers Union and Casino to Meet Today

The United Steelworkers says it plans to meet with representatives of Mardi Gras Casino and Resort to try to head off a possible strike. Members of USW Local 14614-F9 rejected the Nitro resort’s insurance offer and authorized a strike. Union local President Ron Brady tells the Charleston Gazette-Mail that a meeting with the casino is set for today (Tuesday). At issue is a proposed increase in employees’ insurance premiums. The union says the company also wants to eliminate its ability to bargain over future employee insurance changes and costs. Brady says the union wants 80 percent of health premiums covered by the company and wants language removed that would let the casino change portions of the workers’ health insurance.