Las Vegas hospitality workers vote to authorize strike amid contract negotiations

Tens of thousands of hospitality workers belonging to the  Culinary Workers Union in Las Vegas have cast their votes in favor of authorizing a potential strike as they push for improved union contracts.

The vote authorizes the Culinary and Bartenders unions to call for a strike at 22 casino resort properties on the Las Vegas Strip between the largest employers MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts. The Culinary Union has not yet set a specific deadline for a strike and continues negotiations with the three casino giants.

The union, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said that 95% of its members have voted in support of a citywide strike. The outcome of this vote could have far-reaching consequences, affecting over three dozen casinos and hotels in Las Vegas, which form the economic backbone of the city.

BREAKING: Culinary Union announces 95% have voted yes to authorize a Citywide Strike.

Negotiations continue with @MGMResortsIntl), @CaesarsEnt, & @WynnLasVegas next week.

Culinary Union is now authorized to call for a strike any day.#OneJobShouldBeEnough pic.twitter.com/j0IzmCkyNN

— Culinary Union (@Culinary226) September 27, 2023

“Today, Culinary and Bartenders Union members have sent the strongest message possible to the casino industry to settle a fair contract as soon as possible. We have negotiations scheduled next week with MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn/Encore Resorts and it’s up to the three largest employers in Las Vegas to step up and do the right thing,” Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer for the Culinary Union, said in a statement.



“If these gaming companies don’t come to an agreement, the workers have spoken and we will be ready to do whatever it takes - up to and including a strike. Workers brought every single one of these companies through the pandemic and into a great recovery, and workers deserve a fair share. Companies are doing extremely well and we are demanding that workers aren’t left behind,” he added.

The prospect of a strike by Nevada's largest labor union falls in line with a series of high-profile job actions taking place across the United States, including labor stoppages in Hollywood. Coincidentally, on the same day as the vote, President Joe Biden expressed solidarity with United Auto Workers on a picket line in Michigan.

This surge in labor activism, characterized by demands for higher wages, improved working conditions, and job security, has been more pronounced since the conclusion of the pandemic. Employers across various sectors have found themselves facing heightened pressure as the need for workers grows.

The Culinary Union, comprising the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165, serves as the largest chapter within the Unite Here hospitality guild. The union represents a workforce of 60,000 individuals in Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada, encompassing roles such as guest room attendants, servers, porters, bellmen, bartenders, as well as laundry and kitchen staff. 40,000 workers employed at 22 casino resorts among the three casino giants are working under an expired contract.

Bethany Khan, the union's spokesperson, revealed that all members currently receive health insurance and earn approximately $26 per hour, including benefits, the report said. The specific wage increase being sought by the union has not been disclosed publicly, with Khan emphasizing that negotiations are not conducted in the public eye. Nevertheless, the union has made it clear that they are pursuing "the largest wage increases ever negotiated" in their history.

As contract negotiations continue, the outcome of these labor actions will undoubtedly have a substantial impact on both Las Vegas' hospitality industry and the broader labor landscape in the United States. A strike would be the first for the Culinary Workers Union in more than three decades.