Published: September 27, 2023, 09:14h.
Last updated: September 27, 2023, 09:14h.
Las Vegas restaurant and hotel workers are on the verge of a potential strike as their union members voted overwhelmingly in favor this week.
The Culinary and Bartenders Union announced that 95% of their members have voted to authorize a strike if contract negotiations with casino operators do not progress favorably. At present, workers are still on duty, but the vote is likely to enhance the unions’ bargaining power in the ongoing discussions.
“Today, Culinary and Bartenders Union members have made a powerful statement to the casino industry, urging them to promptly reach a fair agreement. We have negotiations scheduled next week with MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn/Encore Resorts, and it is crucial for these three major employers in Las Vegas to step up and do what is right,” stated Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer for the Culinary Union.
“If these gaming companies fail to reach an agreement, the workers have spoken, and we will be prepared to take any necessary action, including a strike,” added Pappageorge. “Workers have carried these companies through the pandemic and contributed to a strong recovery. They deserve a fair share, as the companies are thriving, and we demand that workers are not left behind.”
Increase in Pay and Security Demanded
The unions represent non-gaming staff such as hotel and restaurant workers, as well as bartenders, at the major resorts along the Las Vegas Strip. Their contracts with MGM, Caesars, and Wynn expired in June but have been extended until September.
“We are the backbone that holds these hotels together, and we should be compensated accordingly,” stated Deanna Virgil, a long-term employee at Wynn Las Vegas, in an interview with The Associated Press following the voting process on Tuesday morning.
A potential strike by union members would severely impact the Las Vegas economy, particularly during a significant period of recovery after the pandemic. In November, the city is expecting a significant influx of visitors due to the Formula 1 event, and it will also host the Super Bowl in February.
Union members are committed to continuing negotiations in good faith and are hopeful about reaching a mutually beneficial agreement with the casinos, preferably without resorting to a strike. The unions are advocating for improved pay, working conditions, and enhanced safety measures for employees, among other priorities.
MGM Resorts, in a statement reported by several news outlets, stated that they have a successful history of negotiations with the unions and expressed optimism about fruitful discussions. “We are continuing to hold productive meetings with the union, and we believe that both parties are committed to negotiating a contract that benefits everyone,” said MGM.
Wynn and Caesars declined to comment, according to the New York Times.
Labor Influence Spreading
In 2018, the unions faced a similar situation with an expired five-year contract and authorized a strike. However, a deal was eventually reached before any strike action took place.
This year’s negotiations occur during a period of increasing labor influence across various sectors of the economy. President Joe Biden has recently shown support for striking autoworkers, and the Writers Guild reached a tentative agreement with Hollywood’s entertainment studios after a months-long strike.
Moreover, developers of a proposed casino in Richmond, Va., announced this week that they would employ union labor if their project receives approval in November.