The Las Vegas casino gaming market has avoided a major workers strike.
A group of casino and hotel operators in Las Vegas have averted a potential strike led by the Culinary Workers and Bartenders Unions, which represent 35,000 employees across 18 properties. The properties include those owned by Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, and Wynn Resorts. The avoided strike, which would’ve been the unions’ first since 1991, concerned safety measures, reduction in workloads for housekeepers, and job protection.
The now-defunct workers strike had received approval from roughly 95% of union members.
Between Nov. 8 and 10, the unions reached tentative agreements with Caesars, MGM, and Wynn after nearly hours of negotiations to avoid the strike, according to the Associated Press. The agreements include declarations to increase wages, extend recall rights, and mandate daily room cleanings.
"After seven months of negotiations, we are proud to say that this is the best contract and economic package we have ever won for in our 88-year history," Culinary Union secretary-treasurer and chief negotiator Ted Pappageorge told CNN. "With this new union contract, hospitality workers will be able to provide for their families and thrive in Las Vegas."
The new contracts repair a fractured relationship between hospitality workers and their employers, which became contentious in April when the unions decided to seek a new deal.
The combative relationship led to a protest in October that included 75 Culinary Union workers. The group blocked traffic on Las Vegas Boulevard to protest, which led to several arrests.
Perfect timing
The Las Vegas casino market avoided the strike ahead of one of the year’s most anticipated sporting events — the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. The weekend-long event, which will take place between Nov. 16 and 19, is expected to attract around 100,000 daily visitors, per F1.
The event, which was announced in March 2022, is projected to generate $1.3 billion in economic activity, per Bloomberg. Las Vegas will also be hosting one of the largest sporting events next year — Super Bowl LVIII. The upcoming game, which will take place in February 2024 at Allegiant Stadium, is expected to bring in an additional $500 million to Las Vegas.
