The Culinary and Bartenders unions have set a strike deadline for Feb. 2 for about 6,000 workers at 18 casino properties in Las Vegas. The unions are demanding better wages, benefits, and working conditions for their members, who have been working without a contract since June 2023.
Union members vote to authorize strike
The workers, who include housekeepers, cooks, bartenders, servers, and porters, voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike in November 2023, after months of stalled negotiations with the casino operators. The unions say they want to secure the “best contract ever” for their members, who have endured the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic downturn.
The unions are seeking higher pay, improved health care, stronger job security, and more protection from sexual harassment and advanced technology. They also want to ensure that workers have a say in the reopening of properties that have been closed or partially closed due to the pandemic.
The strike authorization vote gives the union leaders the power to call a strike at any time after the deadline, if no agreement is reached. A strike could affect the operations and revenues of the casinos, as well as the tourism industry in Las Vegas.
Some casinos reach tentative agreements
While the strike deadline looms, some casino operators have managed to reach tentative agreements with the unions, avoiding a potential walkout. The latest deal was announced on Saturday, Jan. 20, between the Westgate and the Culinary Union, covering over 1,000 workers at the resort.
Other properties that have settled with the unions include the Waldorf Astoria, Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts, and the Cosmopolitan. These agreements are subject to ratification by the union members.
The unions say they are still negotiating with the remaining 18 properties, which include independent Strip casinos such as Circus Circus, Treasure Island, STRAT, Rio, Sahara, and Virgin Hotels, as well as downtown casinos such as Circa, D Las Vegas, Golden Gate, Main Street Station, Fremont, Binion’s, Four Queens, Golden Nugget, Plaza, El Cortez, and downtown Grand.
Union members demonstrate on the Strip
As part of their campaign to pressure the casino operators, the union members have been holding informational picket lines on the Strip, to raise awareness of their demands and show their solidarity. The most recent demonstrations took place on Friday, Jan. 19, in front of the STRAT and Sahara, where hundreds of workers chanted and waved signs.
The unions say they will continue to mobilize their members and supporters until they achieve a fair contract for all. They also urge the public to support their cause and avoid crossing the picket lines, if a strike occurs.
The unions have a history of successful strikes in Las Vegas, dating back to the 1950s. The longest and most famous strike was in 1991, when workers at the Frontier casino stayed on the picket line for six years, four months, and 10 days, until they won a new contract.
The last time the unions went on strike was in 2002, when workers at 10 downtown casinos walked off the job for nine days, before reaching a settlement.
