ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Striking union members chanted, banged drums and blew whistles as part of a raucous picket line outside the Trump Taj Mahal casino Friday amid a contract dispute with owner and billionaire investor Carl Icahn at the start of the busiest weekend of the year for the casino industry.

Local 54 of the Unite-HERE union was unable to reach a new contract with the Taj Mahal, which terminated workers’ health insurance and pension benefits nearly two years ago.

About 1,000 members began walking off the job at 6 a.m., joining fellow union members in protest on the Boardwalk. The striking workers include those who serve drinks, cook food, carry luggage and clean hotel rooms.