‘Gazillion’ Bartenders

Chris Ireland, 55, a Showboat bartender for 27 years until its closing, was among those in fluorescent shirts. Ireland, whose wife also worked there, stood next to a table that held a laser printer for resumes and applications, two organizers’ bull horns and a food stamps pamphlet.

As a stream of reticent-looking workers filed in, he pointed them to stations throughout the room. He said he’s got a couple of applications out, though he has to compete with about a “gazillion” out-of-work mixologists.

Ireland said the union has agreed to extend insurance for many workers, including himself, until December at a $700 monthly premium for a family plan. After that, unless he’s found a job with benefits, his options will be to pay as much as $1,000 a month to continue his employer-based benefits or enroll in Obamacare.

“I’m glad it’s there -- at least there’s something,” he said. “It may not be a perfect solution to America’s health- care needs, but it’s better than a blank.’”
 

First « 1 2 3 » Next