Jun 26, 2008 2:45 pm US/Eastern
Gaming Officials Optimistic Majestic Star On Track
Reporting
Bob Allen
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
Amid reports that some contractors had walked off the construction site of Don Barden's new Majestic Star Casino, officials with the state Gaming Control Board showed up at the site earlier today.
Earlier this week, KDKA Investigator Marty Griffin first reported on Tuesday that some workers walked off the job because they said they weren't being paid.
Sources told KDKA that Barden met with contractors – asking them to be patient and would meet with them again on Monday. While the primary contractor made a commitment to stay on the job, our sources confirmed that several others already walked off the job over the issue.
Today, Gaming Board Commissioner Sanford Rivers and Chairwoman Judge Mary Collins toured the Majestic Star site today as part of a routine inspection.
Collins says they wanted a "first-hand view of the construction that's going on."
She also says Barden is active in ongoing negotiations with lenders and investors.
When asked about the pay issues, she would only characterize the negotiations as "serious" and would not elaborate.
When asked about the possibility of workers walking off the job, Rivers says there are 23 subcontractors and roughly 200 people working at the site right now and there appears to be no imminent threat of any walkout.
Collins says May 15th is still the target date for the new casino's opening; and as long as construction continues, they will continue to be optimistic about Barden's ability to get it done.
Stay with KDKA for more on this story
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
