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.
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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.