Historic agreement secures 99% approval from Culinary Workers Union, marking an end to the threat of a massive strike on the famed Las Vegas Strip.
TWC Magazine – In a resounding show of unity and triumph, Las Vegas hotel union workers have voted overwhelmingly in favor of the groundbreaking contract negotiated with casino giant Caesars Entertainment. The Culinary Workers Union proudly announced on X, the social media platform, that 99% of the vote favored the new five-year deal, hailing it as the “BEST CONTRACT EVER!” for the 10,000 hospitality workers involved.
This decisive victory brings to a close a protracted labor dispute that had cast a shadow of uncertainty over the iconic Las Vegas Strip. The union is poised to extend this momentum by expectedly approving proposed contracts with other major players, Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts International, later this week.
The breakthrough deals were reached in the nick of time, averting the looming specter of a historic strike that would have impacted 18 hotel-casinos on the Strip, including renowned establishments such as Bellagio, Paris Las Vegas, MGM Grand, and Caesars Palace.
Ted Pappageorge, the union’s chief negotiator, expressed his gratitude for the resilience and commitment of the workers, emphasizing their willingness to make sacrifices during seven months of intense negotiations. Pappageorge revealed that the workforce had been prepared to endure pay cuts had the union proceeded with the strike, illustrating their dedication to securing significant victories.
Among the notable gains negotiated by the union are historic pay raises, reductions in housekeeping workloads, and improved job security in the face of technological advancements. Pappageorge, a former union hospitality worker who participated in a prolonged strike in 1991, acknowledged the sacrifices made by thousands of workers during protests, civil disobedience, picketing, and other forms of activism.
Highlighting the significance of the achievement, Pappageorge disclosed that the union secured a remarkable 32% pay increase for its members over the five-year contract period. Notably, workers will receive an immediate 10% pay raise in the first year, amounting to approximately $2 billion contributed by the casino companies by the contract’s conclusion.
These transformative contracts impact more than 35,000 employees at properties along the Strip operated or owned by industry giants Caesars, MGM Resorts, and Wynn Resorts. The union’s success in navigating these negotiations underscores a historic moment for labor relations in the hospitality sector, showcasing the power of collective bargaining and solidarity.