Las Vegas Workers Ready to Strike: Labor Showdown Looms with Casino Giants

Las Vegas Workers Ready to Strike: Around 35,000 hospitality workers in Las Vegas are gearing up for a potential strike on November 10th if they don’t secure labor contracts with major casino and resort operators like MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts.

The Culinary Workers and Bartenders Unions, after seven months of negotiations, received an overwhelming 95% vote in favor of authorizing a citywide strike at the end of September. This could mark the first strike for these unions since 1991, echoing labor movements in other industries seeking fair compensation and benefits in light of the rising cost of living and a competitive labor market, all while corporations report record profits.

These unions, considered among the most influential in the nation, are pushing for higher wages, increased protections against job-threatening new technology, reduced demanding quotas for housekeepers, and enhanced safety for workers. While some agreements have been reached with casinos, there remains a significant gap in economic terms, according to Ted Pappageorge, Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer.

Also Read: UAW Chief Warns of More Strikes Over Detroit Three’s Wage Offers

MGM and Caesars have not yet responded to requests for comments, while Wynn has refrained from making a statement regarding the strike deadline.

Caesars Entertainment CEO Thomas Reeg, speaking to investors on an earnings call, acknowledged that when a contract is eventually agreed upon, it will signify the most substantial increase in employee benefits in four decades. However, the timeline for such an agreement remains uncertain, with Reeg unable to predict whether it will occur next week, in a couple of weeks, or a month from now. Continuous dialogue with the union is ongoing, with further meetings scheduled for the week.

Notably, no major negotiations are currently planned with the three casino operators, including Caesars, as the strike deadline approaches. Las Vegas is anticipating significant events in November, such as the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, expected to draw over 100,000 tourists to the city.

Our Reader’s Queries

Who will strike in Vegas?

If contract agreements cannot be reached with Caesars Entertainment, Wynn Resorts, and MGM Resorts properties, thousands of workers in Las Vegas will join the picket lines. This potential strike could affect up to 35,000 employees, including bartenders, food servers, bellmen, housekeepers, and more.

Why are Vegas workers on strike?

During a period of more than seven months, Las Vegas union hotel workers engaged in intense negotiations. The mandatory daily room cleanings served as a reminder of the significant issues they were fighting for in their first contracts since the pandemic. These issues included job security, improved working conditions, and safety while on the job.

What casinos will be affected by the strike?

A potential strike in Las Vegas could affect 18 properties, including Aria, Bellagio, Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, New York-New York, Park MGM, Caesars Palace, Flamingo, Harrah’s, Horseshoe, Paris Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood, The Cromwell, The Linq, and Wynn and Encore Resorts.

Are hotel workers in Las Vegas on strike?

In a resounding victory for Las Vegas hotel union workers, they have voted to approve their contract agreement with Caesars Entertainment. This brings an end to the prolonged labor disputes that had been looming over the Strip, with the threat of a historic strike. The overwhelming support for the agreement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the union workers, who can now look forward to a more stable and secure future.