Hundreds of casino workers protest Taj Majal closure in Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (WPVI) -- Hundreds of unionized casino workers protested the announced closing of the Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City.

The struggling casino is expected to close December 12th becoming to the 5th to do so this year.

The protesters were still on the boardwalk when the news broke that the Revel deal was no more.

"I didn't hear that. I'm very upset - that was the hope for Atlantic Aity supposedly," said Linda Bragg, casino worker.

Brookfield Asset Management, out of Toronto, abandoned its plan to buy Revel for $110 million because of disagreements with the bondholders of the building's $160 million power plant.

ACR Energy LLC, the plant's South Jersey parent company, is owed millions and is still providing "minimum power" to the building.

"Revel dropped the ball from the get go. All we want to do is show up to work and make a decent wage," said Jimmy Stadler, casino worker.

Unite Here Local 54 President Bob McDevitt wouldn't comment on the failed Revel deal. He said he was focused on the rally Wednesday.

The group also rallied against the owner of the Tropicana - billionaire Carl Ichan.

A deal is in the works for Trump Entertainment to hand over the Taj Mahal to Icahn. However it is contingent on the investor receiving $175 million in state or local tax breaks which most likely won't happen.

About 3,000 Taj Mahal workers have already lost their healthcare benefits. The union says Icahn could save their jobs.

"We're here to try to wake up Carl Icahn and the Taj Mahal to stop the nonsense about saying they're going to close their property and start moving forward and be a part of a team here in Atlantic City and start to move the city forward," Said McDevitt.

"This place could still be a viable money maker for Atlantic City. We just need an owner that takes an interest and actually wants to capitalize on its beauty. Its gems are the employees and the workers. We care and we want our jobs but not at the cost of giving up healthcare for our families," said Valerie McMorris, Trump Taj Mahal employee.

Action News reached out to Icahn on Wednesday but received no response.

Trump Entertainment's CEO Bob Griffin did speak out in a letter to employees accusing the union of operating its health fund as a profit center.

As for the union, Local 54 called the allegations silly.