Culinary Union Warns of Potential Economic Action at Aztar Corporation; Aztar Last Remaining Las Vegas Strip Operator Without a Union Contract.

Business Editors

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 5, 2003

Today, the Culinary Workers Union warned that Aztar Corporation (NYSE:AZR) may be subject to possible economic action by the union - including customer leafleting, picketing, boycott actions, or strikes - as a result of the expiration of the union's contract at the Tropicana Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

"The Tropicana is the last remaining union gaming company in Las Vegas without a contract with the Culinary Union" said D. Taylor, Secretary Treasurer of the 50,000 member union. Aztar's contract with the union expired on May 31, 2002. In June, 2002, the Culinary Union reached agreements with all of the major Strip and Downtown union operators.

The key obstacle to resolving the Las Vegas contract concerns Aztar's refusal to agree to priority hiring for existing employees if the company proceeds with plans to redevelop the Tropicana.

"It is unacceptable that Aztar is proposing to turn their back on those workers who have loyally supported the company over the years," said Taylor. "We are simply asking that the company respect and honor the hard work of those workers who have sacrificed the most for the Tropicana," Taylor added. The Culinary Union represents approximately 1,400 employees at the Tropicana in Las Vegas.

The Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees (HERE) Local 54, which represents approximately 1,800 employees at the Tropicana Atlantic City, has committed to support the workers at the Tropicana Las Vegas.

HERE Local 54 and the Culinary Union represent approximately 32% of Aztar's total workforce. Aztar's Las Vegas and Atlantic City properties account for 79% of the company's operating income.