Union Organized Demonstrations Scheduled at Caesars and MGM Resorts Next Week in Las Vegas
A Potential Showdown Looms as Culinary Workers Union Threatens a Major Strike in Las Vegas
The hospitality sector in Sin City could be in for a shake-up. With 53,000 employees under its wing, Culinary Local 226, a significant union in the Las Vegas area, is teetering on the edge of launching a momentous strike. Last Monday, the union rallied its troops, urging them to rally outside eight casino resorts, pushing tiresomely on the owners to engage in dialogues for a new five-year labor contract.
Picket Lines and Protest Plans
In a media announcement, the union has scheduled two-hour long "informational" picket lines starting at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12. The intended locations for these protests are Park MGM, Paris Las Vegas, and The Linq. After completing their pickets, protestors will proceed to the sidewalks in front of Harrah's, Flamingo, Horseshoe, Planet Hollywood, and New York-New York. Union members are encouraged to participate before or after their work shifts. The union implores individuals to show solidarity by refraining from visiting casino resorts during active picket lines.
Echoes from the Past: 1984 Strike
As shadows from the past loom large, Culinary Local 226's previous strike dates to 1984, where over 17,000 union employees worked hand-in-hand with three other unions, leading to what the union characterizes as "one of the largest strikes in Las Vegas history." This industrial action persisted for a striking 67 days.
The Nitty-Gritty of Negotiations and the Threat of a Strike
Currently, negotiations are underway between the union and three major Strip employers: MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts. Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer of the union, expressed his dissatisfaction with the progress of these dialogues in a conversation with the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Monday. Despite the lack of a specific strike deadline, the union revealed last month that an overwhelming 95% of its Las Vegas restaurant and hotel workers had cast their votes in support of authorizing a strike, with their existing contracts nearing expiration. Approximately 40,000 union members are currently engrossed in expired contracts, making them the likely first to take part in any strike action.
The union asserts an "active labor dispute with 18 casino properties across the Las Vegas Strip," affirming its ability to call for a strike at any moment. The union's main focus remains centered on MGM and Caesars properties, driven by its demand for updated no-strike clauses within the contracts that allow the union the prerogative to strike against non-union restaurants situated on union properties. This demand is not present in the case of Wynn. Amongst other notable proposals, the union has emphasized substantial wage and benefit increases, upgraded safety protocols and technology integration, as well as a reduction in the workload for guest room attendants.
While specific details on a 2023 strike by Culinary Local 226 are not yet available, the general aspects shed light on the potential objectives and impacts of such labor actions. A strike could potentially lead to significant revenue losses and operational disruptions for casinos, affecting staffing, customer services, and overall business operations. On the flip side, strikes can result in better contracts, improved working conditions, and enhanced worker morale and retention for the employees.
At the heart of the impending drama lies a potential casino-culture shift in Las Vegas, with union members considering a significant strike at major casino-and-gambling establishments. Picket lines will be set up at Park MGM, Paris Las Vegas, and The Linq, with plans to protest at Harrah's, Flamingo, Horseshoe, Planet Hollywood, and New York-New York, mirroring the union's actions during the historic 1984 strike.
