This week, two of the largest casino operators in Las Vegas reached a labor arrangement with the local workers’ union, averting a massive potential strike involving tens of thousands of hospitality and kitchen staff. On June 2, the Culinary Union announced that it had reached an agreement with Caesars Resorts International representatives. The in question agreement involved over 12,000 employees at Caesars Palace, Flamingo, The Linq, Paris Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood, and Cromwell – some of the most popular destinations on the Las Vegas Strip during the summer. The next day, MGM Resorts International’s management team reached their own agreement with the unions, covering a staggering 24,000 workers at destinations such as the MGM Grand, New York New York, Bellagio, Circus Circus, Mirage, Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Excalubur, and other popular casinos, restaurants, and resorts.
Crisis Avoided Currently
A few weeks ago, casino employees working for these two enterprises threatened to walk off the job if their working conditions were not improved. Among their demands were increased wages, stricter policies against sexual harassment in light of the recent Steve Wynn scandal, and additional provisions pertaining to health insurance and working conditions. The strike, which could have involved up to 50,000 workers, would have also had a significant impact on the revenues of Las Vegas casinos during what is typically the busiest time of year for the gambling hub. An influx of visitors without casino staff would have been disastrous for business, so the casino operators in question acted swiftly to reach an agreement that satisfied both unions and workers.
Smaller firms Might Follow Suit
Other properties owned and operated by single proprietors, including The D, Tropicana, Treasure Island, and Stratosphere, remain in negotiations with the Las Vegas workers’ union. The possibility of a significant strike still exists for the time being, but it is more likely that smaller properties and companies will follow in the footsteps of MGM and Caesars to appease their uneasy employees. According to the union and its members, the companies should provide higher wages, redundancy training to protect their employment from technological advancement, and panic buttons for hotel room cleaners. It is still uncertain how many of these terms MGM and Caesars have met in accordance with the new agreement, but more information is expected to be released shortly.