Well such an incident happened today. Perusing the news, articles, blogs, and other sources of information about the casino industry, I came across an article related to the Atlantic City New Jersey Casino market. Specifically, the article was about the embattled Tropicana Resort and Casino. For those of you who are regulars to my blog, here's a little background. In the last 2 to 3 years the Tropicana has seen horrible reports about customer reviews, has had it's owner lose it's license to such issues due to Casino Control Act regulations and most recently has had the threat of layoffs due to a significant and terrible economic downturn. Ok, that brings things up to date for now. Well reading the article brought about the most glaring example of obliviousness that I have ever read. In the past year the American Auto Workers were able to organize the workers of the casino into a union. That same union has now settled to plan a strike for the Tropicana Casino workers for a date yet to be set, if certain concessions are not made. Yes this is all for real.
In one of the worst economic downturns I've ever seen in my life time, with the ever increasing competition from neighboring states, and the push by the employee organizations of the casinos, these numb nuts are organizing a strike should they not get what they want in their next contract !!!???
Have any of you ever seen the movie from the late 1980's called "Roger and Me"? To the point, the story is by famed documentary film maker Michael Moore, with whom I'm still up in the air about my opinion on, but no doubt made a poignant point about the downfall of one town that once stood strong. That town is Flint Michigan. It once was the crown jewel of the auto industry and almost the entire city was employed or benefited from it. Not recognizing the changing tide of the economy, competition and the world in general a slow deterioration ended with complete fall from grace.
Is Atlantic City and it's casino industry there? Sadly I think so. Workers striking over conditions in a market that is evaporating. Legislation that hinders growth of the industry and competition that continually is knocking at the door.
I hope I'm wrong. The irony is the same people probably responsible for the fall of Flint Michigan are the same people that are now overseeing the labor unions for the Tropicana. Please God don't let history repeat itself.
1 comment:
Thanks for your mention of Flint, Michigan, in your recent blog post.
I wanted to point out that while it's true Flint has gone through a transition due to changes in the auto industry, we are a community on the rebound with many positive attributes, including excellent parks, museums and cultural activities.
Our downtown also is experiencing an impressive revival with many new businesses, restaurants, apartment lofts and college-student housing being built and opened.
Of course, you may say I have to say these things about Flint because I'm with our area's tourism bureau, so I encourage you to find out more about Flint on your own.
If you want to learn more about Flint, Mich., and the surrounding Genesee County area visit our Web site, www.visitflint.org, www.geneseefun.com, or become a member of our Facebook page "Discover Flint and Genesee County Michigan".
Thanks for your time and feel free to share this with your readers.
Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to learn more about our area.
Matt Bach
Public relations manager
Flint Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Direct line: 810.232.3288
e-mail: mbach@flint.travel
Our Web site: www.visitflint.org
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