Ohio casino workers in strike move

Hundreds of union members employed at the Hollywood Casino in Toledo, Ohio, US, were due to go on strike today.

The United Auto Workers union members – about 400 of them – have threatened to go on strike tonight if they cannot get a new agreement with the casino. They include dealers and slot attendants, all paid hourly.

According to the local newspaper, The Blade, they could be joined by another 400 union members at the Hollywood Casino in Columbus, Ohio, who are also negotiating.

The casinos are owned by Penn Entertainments. The union claims that its Toledo members earn a base rate of $6.36 per hour, but with tips that can be increased substantially. The union is seeking a base rate rise to $7.35 per hour.