Around 8,000 employees in the Las Vegas hospitality sector are preparing for a substantial work stoppage this coming February. The Culinary Workers Union, representing these individuals, declared that the strike would commence precisely at 5 a.m. PST on the 2nd of February, affecting 21 casino-resort establishments both on and off the Las Vegas Strip.
This move comes after warnings of a walkout late last year as the union sought enhanced wages and improved workplace environments. Although accords were reached with significant entities such as MGM, Caesars, and Wynn, this potential strike is directed at other lodging establishments within the city.
Among the prominent properties facing possible walkouts are well-known names like the Rio, Circus Circus, and Trump Hotel on the Strip, in addition to downtown venues like the Circa, Four Queens, and Golden Nugget. For a majority of these 21 properties, this would mark their inaugural encounter with a Culinary Union strike.
Discussions with Hilton Resorts and the Strat are slated to commence on January 9th, succeeded by talks with other establishments such as Circus Circus, Sahara, and Circa later that week. Nevertheless, the union has emphasized that the strike could be initiated even sooner should negotiations not yield agreeable outcomes.
Ted Pappageorge, the Financial Head of the Culinary Union, issued a declaration regarding the work stoppage: “We’ve been engaged in discussions for a landmark agreement with the prominent gaming enterprises and a number of autonomous establishments since the previous year, but we haven’t managed to secure an accord.
The moment has arrived to advocate for the 7,700 employees across these 21 lodgings, to strive for an equitable contract that empowers them to support themselves and their households. Corporate earnings are at unprecedented levels, and staff members merit a contract that mirrors this.”
He further underscored that the union has held a crucial function in guaranteeing enduring hospitality positions in Las Vegas over the past nine decades, advocating for just compensation, employment stability, and medical coverage.