Strike Still a Go at W.Va. Casino

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/5656638.html

March 28, 2008, 1:38PM

CHESTER, W.Va. — Negotiators in West Virginia are back at the table in hopes of averting a strike Saturday night by 200 cashiers, slot technicians and money room workers at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort.

A federal mediator asked both sides to resume discussions Friday, said Kevin Kilroy, a spokesman for Local 23 of the United Food & Commercial Workers. The mediator has been overseeing the talks since the contract expired March 1.

Earlier this week, the union authorized a strike after rejecting what Mountaineer said was its final offer. The walkout is planned to protest what the union calls "poverty wages" that make necessities like health insurance beyond reach.

Local 23 says Mountaineer lags behind competitors in wages and benefits, paying the unit an average wage of just $9.34 an hour. Cashiers start at $6.50.

"We're hopeful these negotiations will prove to be fruitful," Kilroy said.

He would not reveal when or where the talks were occurring but said the goals continue to be living wages and affordable health care.

FULL story at link.