Las Vegas, NV – January 8, 2024 – The Culinary and Bartenders Unions, representing 7,700 hospitality workers in Las Vegas, have ramped up the pressure on a dozen casino properties by setting a strike deadline of Friday, February 2nd at 5 a.m. This announcement comes amid ongoing negotiations for new contracts with Circus Circus, Hilton Grand Vacations, Rio, Sahara Las Vegas, The STRAT, Treasure Island, Trump Hotel Las Vegas, Virgin Hotels, Waldorf Astoria, Westgate, Binion’s, Circa, Downtown Grand, El Cortez, Four Queens, Fremont, Golden Gate, Golden Nugget, Main Street, The D Casino, and Plaza.

Workers United, Contracts Expired:

In September, union members overwhelmingly voted to authorize a citywide strike, expressing their solidarity and determination to secure favorable contracts. Negotiations remain stalled since the existing contracts for these properties expired on June 1, 2023, and all subsequent extensions have been terminated. The Culinary Union emphasizes that the worker negotiating committee has the authority to call individual strikes within these properties sooner than the February deadline.

Seeking Parity and Fair Share of Profits:

Currently, expired collective bargaining agreements continue to dictate wages, benefits, and job security protections, although strike clauses are no longer active. However, union leaders are adamant about securing wage increases, improved benefits, enhanced safety and technology provisions, and workload reductions, aligning these properties with the standards achieved at other Las Vegas casinos.

“Corporations are raking in record profits, and workers deserve record contracts,” declared Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer of the Culinary Union. “Workers at the Strip Independents and Downtown deserve the same gains as their counterparts on the Strip. They are organized, united, and ready to fight for what they deserve.” Pappageorge reiterated the union’s unwavering support for its members, acknowledging the possibility of a strike but emphasizing their commitment to reaching fair agreements through negotiations.

Looking Ahead:

The coming weeks will be crucial as both sides intensify negotiations. The February 2nd deadline looms large, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the Las Vegas hospitality industry. Whether agreements are reached before the deadline or a strike ensues, one thing is clear: Las Vegas workers are determined to claim their fair share of the city’s booming tourism revenue.

Credits: KTNV