Local 54 Ignores Trump Entertainment’s Deadline

Local 54 of the Unite Here union defied a deadline from Trump Entertainment Resorts to withdraw its appeal of a court-ordered, cost-cutting package.

The deadline passed as the showdown over the future of Trump Taj Mahal entered what could be its final week. Local 54 of the Unite-HERE union ignored the deadline imposed last week by Trump Entertainment Resorts to withdraw its appeal of a bankruptcy court order that terminated the union contract with Taj Mahal workers. The October 17th order eliminated health insurance and a pension plan for the casino's workers.

Neither side would discuss the deadline's expiration or what it might mean for the casino's future or the jobs of its 3,000 workers. Trump Taj Mahal is scheduled to close at 6AM Saturday.

In a letter to union president Bob McDevitt, Trump Entertainment CEO Robert Griffin wrote: "If you have not agreed to drop the appeal by the close of business on Monday Dec. 15 then we'll know that you have rejected us again." The company is hoping to hand itself over to billionaire investor Carl Icahn, who has promised to pump $100 million into the casino but only if the union drops its appeal and only in return for substantial tax breaks from the city and state.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.