Summary:
- Contract negotiations have been ongoing since April.
- Wynn Resorts, MGM, and Caesars Entertainment are involved in the negotiations.
- Park MGM, New York-New York, The Linq, Harrah’s, and Horseshoe are among the affected casinos.
Union members have waited long enough for negotiations regarding new contracts in Las Vegas. The Culinary Workers Local 226 announced this week that it will begin informational picket lines this Thursday outside casinos on the Strip owned by MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts, and Caesars Entertainment. Participants will inform visitors of the negotiations and ask them not to go inside.
Result of Disappointing Negotiations
According to Culinary Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge, the negotiations with the major casino brands have been disappointing. The union is planning the informational picket because of the lack of a contract.
Members of the union will set up picket lines in two-hour segments. The first will begin at 10 am and the second at 5 pm. There will be three locations on the Las Vegas Strip where the picket lines will be prominent. Employees can join the lines before or after a shift at a casino so it doesn’t disturb the daily operations of the venues.
One will occur in front of Park MGM and New York-New York, both MGM Resorts properties. Members will set up in two different areas to protest Caesars, one near the Linq, Flamingo, and Harrahs’ and the other by the Paris, Planet Hollywood, and Horseshoe casinos.
What’s the Hold Up?
It’s been about six months, and no contract has been signed, leaving consumers wondering what’s the hold-up. According to Pappageorge, the casinos and employees are divided on salary and benefits. Union members want better wages and benefits based on the earnings of the company.
The casino companies have reportedly not made any economic proposals or counteroffers. One provided a minimal deal, and the union felt it was inconsequential. The unions have not set a date for a full strike but plan on instituting one if a deal is not met.
It’s unclear if the threat of a strike will push the casinos to action or if it will take something more drastic, such as the employees walking out to get the casino to concede in some way. Formula One is coming to Las Vegas next month, and if a strike takes place, it would leave the three major operators unable to provide services.
The race is set to bring tens of thousands of visitors to the area, with revenues pouring in from hotel stays, gambling, dining, and more. We may see that the informational picket lines are enough to get the negotiations to gain movement and for both sides to agree.
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