3,000 angry casino workers marched through the street of Atlantic City in a dispute over pay and benefits. Shouting ‘”negotiate” as they rallied on Saturday, they hoped the newly formed union of casino dealers and workers would now be taken seriously, pressuring the casinos of Atalantic City into giving them new contracts.

Several blocks were cordoned off as the workers chanted and waved signs for three hours. A dealer at Ceasars Atlantic City commented: “I think the casinos really got our message. We voted, we won — and now it’s way past time to negotiate a contract that delivers good wages and decent health care.”

The newly formed United Automobile Workers pushed to unionise the dealers of all 11 Atlantic City casinos, starting 15 months ago. However after only four casinos voted to support the move, the organisers were slightly disappointed with the 3,000 turnout, hoping for a figure closer to 5,000. Despite the increased pressure, little has happened in the way of contracts being signed, with slow negotiations taking place.