Taj Strike Day 14: Management Sets A Deadline On Its Latest Offer

by David Madden

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (CBS) -- The strike by hospitality workers at the Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City is ending its second week with what amounts to a take it or leave it offer from management on health care.

A letter to striking Local 54 members from Tony Rodio, a leading member of Taj management, sets a deadline of 5 p.m. Monday for the union to accept the deal now on the table, or it's gone for good. Members lost health insurance as part of bankruptcy proceedings a couple years ago.

Rodio says the money to pay for it is coming straight out of the pocket of billionaire developer and Taj owner Carl Ichan and would be in place for only a year and a half to allow business, and revenues to build.

Local 54 President Bob McDevitt, in a statement, noted Ichan agreed to a health care package at the Tropicana that's better than the Taj offer. If that lower offer is accepted, it could set a precedent for other casinos to follow.

No new talks are scheduled. The casino hotel is open in spite of the walkout.