Las Vegas is known for its dazzling casinos, lavish hotels and world-class entertainment. But behind the scenes, thousands of hospitality workers are fighting for better wages, working conditions and job security. As the deadline for a new contract approaches, some of them are ready to walk off the job and disrupt the city’s tourism industry.
What are the issues at stake?
The Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and its affiliated Bartenders Union Local 165 represent about 60,000 workers in Las Vegas, including cooks, servers, housekeepers, bartenders and bellhops. They have been negotiating with the casino operators since last year, when their previous five-year contract expired.
The unions are seeking a 32 percent salary increase over the next five years, as well as workload reductions, daily room cleanings, safety protections and language covering the use of technology and artificial intelligence. They also want to ensure that workers who lose their jobs due to automation or outsourcing can be retrained or receive financial benefits.
The unions say that these demands are fair and necessary, given the rising cost of living, the health risks of the pandemic and the threat of technological displacement. They point out that the casino industry has recovered from the economic downturn and is making record profits.
Which properties are involved?
The unions have reached tentative agreements with some of the major casino companies, such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment and Wynn Las Vegas. These deals cover about 55,000 workers and include most of the iconic properties on the Strip.
However, there are still 16 properties that have not reached a deal, covering about 4,700 workers. These include five on the Strip: Circus Circus and Treasure Island (owned by Phil Ruffin); Rio Casino Resort (Dreamscape Cos.); Sahara (Alex Meruelo) and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas (JCH Hospitality).
The other 11 are downtown: Circa, D Las Vegas and Golden Gate (owned by Derek Stevens); Main Street Station and Fremont (Boyd Gaming); Binion’s and Four Queens (TLC Casino Enterprises); Golden Nugget (Tilman Fertitta); Plaza (Tamares Group); El Cortez (Exber Inc.) and Downtown Grand (CIM Group and Fifth Street Gaming).
When is the strike deadline?
The unions have set a strike deadline of 5 a.m. on February 2, 2024, for any property that does not reach a tentative agreement by then. This date coincides with the nine-month anniversary of when the previous contract expired. It also falls on the weekend before Las Vegas hosts festivities surrounding Super Bowl LVIII, one of the busiest times of the year for the city.
The unions have not gone on strike since 1984, when they staged a 67-day walkout that affected 32 properties and cost the industry millions of dollars. They have held several strike votes and informational pickets since then, but have always managed to avoid a full-scale strike.
However, this time, the unions say they are prepared to take action if necessary. They have been building a strike fund of $150 million, which can provide workers with $400 a week in benefits. They have also been organizing volunteers, training picket captains and coordinating with other unions and community groups.
What are the possible impacts of a strike?
A strike by the hospitality workers could have significant impacts on both the casino industry and the city of Las Vegas. The workers are essential to the smooth operation and customer service of the properties, and their absence could affect the quality and availability of food, drinks, rooms and entertainment.
A strike could also deter visitors from coming to Las Vegas, or cause them to cancel or shorten their trips. This could result in lost revenue and reputation for the casino operators, as well as reduced tax income and economic activity for the city and the state. A strike could also create traffic congestion, public safety issues and social unrest.
The unions hope that a strike can be avoided, and that the casino operators will agree to their demands before the deadline. They say that they are not asking for anything unreasonable, and that they deserve respect and dignity for their work. They also say that a fair contract will benefit not only the workers, but also the industry and the city.
