Las Vegas hospitality workers join union in strike authorization.
The Culinary Workers Union (CWU), a labor organization representing tens of thousands of Las Vegas hospitality workers, is the latest major union to authorize strike action. This is the group’s first strike in three decades.
CWU members voted 95 percent at two sessions at the Thomas and Mack Center on campus at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas on Sept. 26 to approve a citywide strike as part of efforts to secure a new five-year contract.
The union did not establish a deadline for a walkout as leaders continue to negotiate with hotels and casinos for higher pay, better benefits, and improved working conditions.
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“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 the three largest employers in Las Vegas to step up and do the right thing,” said Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer for the Culinary Union, 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.”
Eighty-eight percent of CWU’s roughly 60,000 members are situated in Las Vegas, totaling about 53,000 employees.
Maria Sanchez, a guest room attendant at the Bellagio and a Culinary Union member for three years, said during the proceedings that she feels she is “living to work” and does not think one job is enough to support her family and their future.
Labor Strife Nationwide
Over the last 12 months, labor unions across the country and in multiple sectors have organized and gone on strike for higher pay and better compensation packages. According to recent research from Cornell University, more than 320,000 workers have participated in labor actions this year.
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Hollywood studios recently reached a tentative deal to end the writers’ 146-day strike.
The United Auto Workers (UAW) and the Big Three automakers—Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis—are enduring tough contract negotiations. The UAW is demanding a 40 percent pay hike, a 32-hour work week, and the restoration of traditional pension plans, but the Detroit Three have countered with more than 20 percent pay raises over four years.
President Joe Biden became the first modern present to visit a picket line on Sept. 26 and agreed with auto workers in Michigan that they deserve a 40 percent pay raise.
Another sizable labor union could soon hit the picket lines.
About 1,000 union workers and meatpackers in Austin, Texas, have turned down a four-year contract offer from Hormel Foods Corp., a move that could potentially result in strike action.
Last week, the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 663 announced that workers voted against the company’s contract offer. While the maker of Spam says both sides have agreed to a contract extension until Oct. 8, the union is requesting a return to the negotiating table.
“Hormel’s record profits are just wages not shared fairly with the rest of us,” said the UFCW bargaining committee in a Sept. 15 statement. “The reality is that we keep Hormel running. We demand that Hormel does better and comes to the table for a fair agreement quickly.”
Union workers are demanding $6.25 wage increases by September 2025. Hormel has presented a $2.15 wage over four years.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the challenges faced by workers in the hospitality industry in Las Vegas?
Heir expenses. She expressed her frustration with the lack of progress in negotiations and the need for fair wages and better working conditions.
This strike authorization comes as part of a larger wave of labor activism in the United States. Workers across various industries have been organizing and demanding better treatment, fair compensation, and improved working conditions.
The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the issues faced by workers in the hospitality industry. Many have been on the frontlines, risking their health and safety to keep the industry afloat during challenging times. Now, as the industry begins to recover, these workers are demanding their fair share of the success they helped create.
The hospitality industry in Las Vegas, known for its world-class casinos, hotels, and entertainment, relies heavily on its workforce to attract visitors and generate revenue. Without the hard work and dedication of the Culinary Workers Union members, the industry would not be what it is today.
With the authorization for a citywide strike, the CWU aims to exert pressure on major casino and hotel operators and push for a fair contract that addresses the needs of its members. This strike could have substantial consequences for Las Vegas, as it would disrupt the normal functioning of the city and impact the tourism industry.
The union’s demands for higher pay, better benefits, and improved working conditions are not unreasonable. As the workers themselves have pointed out, the companies they work for have thrived despite the challenges of the pandemic. It is only fair that the workers who made this success possible are rewarded and provided with the support they deserve.
It is now up to the hotels and casinos to respond to the union’s demands and negotiate in good faith. The workers have made their voices heard, and their determination to fight for their rights should not be underestimated. The stakes are high for both the workers and the industry, and a fair resolution is in everyone’s best interest.
As the negotiations continue, it is crucial that all parties involved prioritize the well-being and livelihoods of the workers. A fair contract that addresses their concerns and provides them with the necessary support is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative.
The Culinary Workers Union’s decision to authorize a strike sends a strong message to the casino industry and serves as a rallying cry for workers across the country. This strike is not just about the CWU members; it is about the broader fight for workers’ rights and the recognition of their contributions.
As the hospitality industry recovers and moves forward, it is crucial that it does so on the foundation of fair treatment and respect for its workforce. A successful resolution to the current negotiations will not only benefit the CWU members but will also set an important precedent for the treatment of workers in similar industries across the nation.
The Culinary Workers Union’s first strike in three decades is a crucial moment in the fight for workers’ rights. It is a reminder that workers are the backbone of any industry and should not be taken for granted. Their voices deserve to be heard, and their demands for fair treatment and compensation deserve to be met.
As the negotiations unfold, it is the responsibility of both the industry and the government to ensure that the workers’ rights are protected and that a fair resolution is reached. The success of the hospitality industry and the well-being of its workers go hand in hand.
Now is the time for the casino industry in Las Vegas to step up and do the right thing. It is in their best interest to reach a fair agreement with the Culinary Workers Union and address the legitimate concerns of their employees. Only by working together can we build a stronger, more equitable future for all.
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