Approximately 35,000 Las Vegas hospitality hustlers are gearing up for a showdown on November 10. They’re ready to hit the streets in a labor strike against the big players in the casino and resort game: MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts. If these heavyweight operators can’t get their labor act together by that date, the unions are calling for action, and they mean business.
The Culinary Workers and Bartenders Unions have been in the negotiation ring for about seven months, and at the end of September, an overwhelming 95% of their members gave the green light for a citywide strike. This ain’t no small potatoes.
This potential strike is shaping up to be a real throwback to ’91, as these unions haven’t flexed their strike muscles like this in decades. It’s a scene reminiscent of the entertainment and auto industries, where workers are getting restless, demanding better pay and benefits to keep up with the high-octane cost of city living, all while corporations are raking in the cash.
Las Vegas is known for its heavy hitters in the union game, and they’re not holding back. They’re demanding more dough, protection against tech that might steal their gigs, an end to those back-breaking quotas for the housekeepers, and safer working conditions. They’ve got some deals in the pipeline with the casinos, but, in the words of Ted Pappageorge, Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer, “Economically, the companies have made some moves, but we’re miles apart.”
As for the big shots, MGM and Caesars are playing the silent card for now, not responding to questions. Wynn Resorts? They’re keeping their cards close to the chest and not commenting on the impending strike deadline.
But amid all this, Caesars Entertainment CEO Thomas Reeg is making some noise, stating, “When we seal the deal on this contract, it’s going to be the biggest payday our crew has seen in the four decades since we started rubbing shoulders with the Culinary Union.” That’s some urban talk right there.
The city is gearing up for major events in November including the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix which is expected to bring more than 100,000 tourists to the city.
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