The Las Vegas union that was threatening to direct roughly 50,000 members to walk off the job at 34 casinos has reached tentative contracts with MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment.
Members of the Las Vegas union that were ready to strike have been told to continue working as negotiations continue and tentative deals are reached. (Image: Culinary Union)
The Culinary Union’s new five-year deals with the casino operators means a strike that would have likely crippled Las Vegas has been prevented.
MGM and Caesars own 18 of the 34 casinos where new contracts were being negotiated after the previous arrangements expired June 1. The companies account for about 36,000 of the 50,000 union workers in jeopardy.
Other Strip properties where negotiations continue include SLS, Tropicana, and Treasure Island. Downtown casinos include The D, Golden Nugget, and Fremont.
Caesars was first to reach a deal with the union when the two sides confirmed a tentative contract was in place on Friday morning. The union said new terms with MGM were made on Saturday.
The deals mean tourists arriving this week can rest easy knowing their experiences won’t be hampered by workers walking off the job.
“We are pleased that all economic and personal security issues have been resolved with this new contract and that employees will continue to provide guests superior service and experiences,” Caesars Global President Tom Jenkin declared. “This historic agreement ensures that our union team members will continue to be a crucial part of the Las Vegas Dream.”
The Culinary Union doesn’t represent casino dealers, but those employed in various hospitality roles including kitchen staff, waitstaff, bellmen and porters, guestroom attendants, and bartenders.
Contract Terms
Details of the new contracts haven’t been released.
Union officials had been fighting for a four percent compensation and benefits raise, increased measures to combat sexual harassment, and guarantees from casinos that technological innovations that reduce jobs would be shunned. MGM and Caesars had reportedly countered with a 2.7 percent increase.
Despite not publicly releasing the final agreement, union members rejoiced in the news that five-year terms had been reached.
“I am ecstatic,” Linq housekeeper Antonia Villegas said in a union release. “Having a settled contract means peace of mind for my family. After months of negotiating worker-centered safety proposals, my workplace is now more secure because we have comprehensive sexual harassment language that protects my coworkers and I.”
Golden Year
It’s always busy season in Las Vegas, but June 2018 is shaping up to be an exceptionally lively month. Along with 80,000 convention attendees in town this week, the Vegas Golden Knights will bring the NHL Stanley Cup Final back to the city on Thursday.
According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), guests who travel to the city for a sporting event spend more than the average visitor. T-Mobile Arena is selling out at Stanley Cup Final record prices, and viewing parties across Sin City are packed full of fans.
The Knights’ improbable run has Las Vegas bustling, and that’s benefiting casinos and businesses throughout the region.
With contracts reached with MGM and Caesars, and the Culinary Union continuing to work with the remaining outstanding casinos in question, it appears business will continue as usual, albeit in a much busier manner.
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