ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Now that the shock over the prospect of losing three Atlantic City casinos in the coming months is starting to wear off, many workers and their union are mounting a growing effort to keep them open by attracting new bidders and offering flexibility in contract negotiations with any potential buyer.

In recent weeks, the owners of the Showboat and Trump Plaza have said they will close them by September, and Revel could do likewise if a buyer is not found at a bankruptcy court auction next month. That could put nearly 8,000 workers on the streets.