Workers go on strike at W.Va. casino across river from Ohio

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.wdtn.com/Global/story.asp?S=8088268

Associated Press - March 29, 2008 1:45 PM ET

CHESTER, W.Va. (AP) - About 200 union workers have walked off the job at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort.

Members of United Food & Commercial Workers Local 23 went on strike at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. Spokesman Kevin Kilroy says between 50 and 60 people are now picketing in front of the casino across the Ohio River from East Liverpool, Ohio.

Mountaineer spokeswoman Tamara Pettit says the track, resort and casino are operating smoothly despite the loss of about 9% of the work force. Petit says management and supervisors are filling in for striking slot machine attendants, accounting people and cashiers.

Negotiations between the union and Mountaineer broke down Friday. At issue are wages and health care benefits.

On the Net:

Mountaineer: http://www.mtrgaming.com/index.php

Local 23: http://www.ufcw23.org/