Las Vegas is known for its dazzling casinos, lavish hotels and world-class entertainment. But behind the scenes, thousands of hospitality workers keep the city running smoothly. These workers, who are members of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and its affiliated Bartenders Union Local 165, are seeking new contracts with their employers that would provide them with better wages, benefits and working conditions.
The deadline is approaching
The unions have been negotiating with nearly two dozen properties on the Strip and downtown Las Vegas since last year, when their previous agreements expired. They have reached tentative deals with some of the major casino operators, such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment and Wynn Las Vegas. However, there are still 16 properties that have not settled, covering about 4,700 workers.
The unions have set a strike deadline of Feb. 2 if they do not reach agreements with the remaining properties. This date coincides with the nine-month anniversary of when the contracts expired, and also falls on the weekend before the Super Bowl, one of the busiest times of the year for Las Vegas.
The demands are reasonable
The unions are asking for a five-year contract that would include a 32 percent salary increase, workload reductions for guest room attendants, daily hotel room cleanings, increased safety protections for workers on the job, and language covering the expanding use of technology and artificial intelligence and how workers can be retrained or receive financial benefits if their jobs are replaced.
These demands are not unreasonable, considering the hardships that the workers have faced during the pandemic, which severely affected the tourism and gaming industry. Many workers were laid off, furloughed or had their hours reduced. Some workers also contracted COVID-19 or lost their loved ones to the virus.
The unions argue that the workers deserve a fair share of the recovery that the casino industry is experiencing, as well as respect and dignity for their essential work.
The impact could be significant
If the unions go on strike, the impact could be significant for both the workers and the casino industry. A strike would affect the operations of the properties, such as food and beverage service, housekeeping, laundry, banquet and catering, and more. It could also deter visitors from coming to Las Vegas, especially during the Super Bowl weekend, which is expected to generate millions of dollars in revenue for the city.
A strike would also affect the workers themselves, who would lose their income and benefits while on the picket line. However, the unions have a strike fund that would provide them with some financial assistance. The unions also have the support of other labor groups, community organizations and political leaders, who have expressed solidarity with their cause.
The hope is for a resolution
The unions and the casino operators are still in talks, and both sides have expressed hope for a resolution before the deadline. The unions have scheduled informational picket lines for Friday in front of the STRAT and Sahara, two of the properties that have not reached a deal. The picket lines are meant to inform the public and the media about the status of the negotiations and the issues at stake.
The unions have a history of successful bargaining and striking in Las Vegas. They have been representing hospitality workers since 1935, and have fought for better wages, benefits and working conditions for their members. They have also gone on strike several times, most notably in 1984, when they staged a 67-day walkout that involved 17,000 workers and 32 properties.
The unions hope that they can avoid another strike, and that they can secure new contracts that would ensure the well-being of their members and their families.
