Possible rewrite: Vegas hotel workers may strike this month.
OAN’s James Meyers
10:46 AM – Friday, November 3, 2023
Las Vegas hotels could be facing a major shortage of employees in the coming weeks.
The Culinary Workers Union (CWU) has set a deadline of November 10th for a potential strike.
According to union spokesperson Bethank Khan, members currently earn an average of $26 per hour, including benefits. However, the exact pay increase being sought by the union has not been disclosed. The union has stated that it is requesting the largest wage increases in its history.
The union has threatened to strike at 18 different casinos, including Caesars Entertainment, Wynn Resorts, and MGM Resorts International, if an agreement is not reached by the deadline.
The strike deadline falls just five days before the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend, which is expected to attract 30,000 people, according to Sky Sports.
Ted Papageorge, the union’s secretary-treasurer and chief contract negotiator, has urged tourists and Formula 1 attendees to support the workers by avoiding Las Vegas if a strike occurs.
“We will be communicating to ask customers that they should take their business elsewhere,” Papageorge said.
Pappageorge also voiced that the union and its members hope it does not have to come to a strike but that “workers are prepared, united and ready to strike if necessary.”
Nevada’s largest labor union, which represents nearly 60,000 members statewide, has not gone on strike in decades.
If the strike does occur, it could impact 18 properties, including Aria, Bellagio, Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, New York-New York, Park MGM, Caesars Palace, Flamingo, Harrah’s, Horseshoe, Paris Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood, The Cromwell, The Linq, and Wynn and Encore Resorts.
Negotiations have been ongoing since April, with union members advocating for higher wages and better working conditions.
Hospitality workers have also been calling for improved job security, stronger security protections, and the implementation of safety buttons.
“We don’t feel safe on the casino floor,” veteran Bellagio cocktail waitress Leslie Lilla told The Associated Press. “We need enhanced security. We need emergency buttons in our service bars. We want to be protected, as well as for our guests.”
“This is our time. This is the labor movement’s time,” Lilla said. “We know that we can’t be a society where it’s just upper class and lower class. There’s got to be a middle. Unions create that middle class.”
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What specific compensation increases are the Culinary Workers Union demanding in order to address being overlooked and undervalued?
D. “We’re tired of being overlooked and undervalued. We deserve better.”
The pandemic has brought significant challenges to the hospitality industry, with many workers facing layoffs and reduced hours. As the industry begins to recover, employees are demanding fair compensation and improved working conditions.
The Culinary Workers Union has been at the forefront of this fight, advocating for its members and the entire workforce. With over 60,000 members statewide, the union holds significant bargaining power.
The union’s demands for wage increases are justified considering the cost of living in Las Vegas. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, the city relies heavily on the hospitality industry. Workers in this industry play a vital role in ensuring visitors have a memorable experience.
However, it is not just about wages. The union is also seeking improved job security and safety measures. The request for safety buttons highlights the importance of ensuring a safe working environment for employees.
The potential strike could have far-reaching implications, not just for the casinos involved but also for the city as a whole. The Las Vegas Grand Prix, a highly anticipated event, is set to take place just days after the strike deadline. The absence of workers could impact the overall experience for attendees and result in negative publicity for the city.
The union’s call for support from tourists and Formula 1 attendees is a strategic move to exert pressure on the casinos and draw attention to their cause. A strike would not only disrupt the operations of the affected properties but also send a strong message to the entire industry.
Both parties involved in the negotiations need to find common ground and reach a fair agreement. The hospitality industry plays a crucial role in the economic success of Las Vegas, and securing the well-being of its workers is essential for long-term growth.
The situation in Las Vegas is a stark reminder of the importance of fair labor practices and the power of unions. As workers come together to demand better conditions, it is a chance for the industry to reassess its treatment of employees and make necessary changes.
Ultimately, the outcome of these negotiations will not only affect the workers and casinos involved but also shape the future of labor relations in the hospitality industry. It is a pivotal moment that highlights the need for fair compensation, improved job security, and enhanced safety measures in the post-pandemic world.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on Las Vegas. The outcome of these negotiations will have implications beyond the city, serving as a reminder of the power workers hold when they stand together for their rights.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
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