For the first time in nearly two decades, thousands of hospitality workers will picket on the Las Vegas Strip as negotiations continue for a new 5-year union contract.
On Thursday, members of the Culinary and Bartenders Union will picket in front of eight different casinos run by MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment Corporation.
Union officials say contracts covering 43,000 workers have expired, and there is now an active labor dispute with 18 casino properties across the Las Vegas Strip. Bargaining talks have been underway since April, but no agreement for a new contract has been reached.
There will be active picket lines from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Members recently voted by 95% to authorize a city-wide strike. The Culinary Union is now authorized to call for a strike at any date or time, but has not yet set a strike deadline.
The White House also released a comment following the vote: “President Biden believes all workers should have good jobs with fair pay and benefits that give them the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families. Las Vegas has a long union history and workers have been critical to the city’s growth and success. As the Culinary and Bartenders Unions continues contract negotiations, we urge the discussions to move forward in good faith and hope both sides come to an agreement that preserves the city’s high quality hospitality jobs and gives all workers the quality of life they deserve.”
