Michigan City, IN-Today a majority of Blue Chip negotiating committee members voted to continue working until the next negotiating session with management.

Company officials had cancelled last week’s negotiating session without notice. Yesterday, negotiations were rescheduled for Wednesday, January 19th at 10 a.m.

A strike is still possible at Blue Chip casino if a settlement is not reached, and strike preparations will continue throughout the week.

“The workers’ negotiating committee wants to see if Blue Chip management is serious about reaching a fair settlement,” says Clare Fauke, UNITE HERE Local 1 spokesperson. “We’ll see what’s on the table on Wednesday.”

UNITE HERE Local 1 represents approximately 250 housekeepers, cooks, dishwashers, food and beverage servers and other service workers at the Blue Chip casino, and 850 casinos workers across northwest Indiana.

Last week, tentative agreements had been reached with Harrah’s in East Chicago and Trump and Majestic Star casinos in Gary, averting strikes at those properties. These agreements represent a significant increase in the economic package for riverboat workers. Ratification votes by the full membership are scheduled for January 20th for Harrah’s workers, and January 24th for Trump and Majestic Star workers.

Customers can get the latest information by calling the Riverboat Strike Hotline at 1-888-656-4373.