Culinary Union sets strike deadline for remaining casino contracts

If casinos such as Circus Circus, Treasure Island, Golden Nugget, and Circa are unable to reach a deal with the unions by 5 a.m. on Feb. 2, workers will go on strike.

The Culinary and Bartenders unions announced Monday that they had set a strike deadline for Feb. 2 as they bargain contracts for 7,700 Las Vegas hospitality workers.

The unions–which represent 60,000 workers in Nevada–secured contracts covering 40,000 workers last year with MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment and Wynn Resorts. The deal averted a strike of approximately 35,000 workers.

The unions are currently bargaining a contract for several remaining casinos downtown and on the Las Vegas Strip, including Circus Circus, Treasure Island, Golden Nugget, and Circa.

The move comes after Vice President Kamala Harris visited the valley last week to congratulate the union on its recent wins.

Under its new contracts, workers will see wage increases of 32% over five years–the largest in the union’s history–as well as lower workloads and safety protections.

Union Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge said last week that the contract wins with MGM, Caesars, and Wynn cover over 60% of its membership. The contracts it still has left to bargain with independent employers on the Strip encompass a smaller group of workers, but a much larger number of employers. 

“We think we’re gonna have strikes. It’s unfortunate, but if we do, that would mean actually more locations under strike than the three big employers,” he said.

If the remaining casinos are unable to reach a deal with the unions by 5 a.m. on Feb. 2, workers will go on strike.

Ahead of several high-profile events next month, including the Republican Primary and the Super Bowl, the union is asking the public to not patronize hotels and casinos where there is a labor dispute.

When asked what issues the union and employers are farthest apart on, Pappageorge said it’s “the usual,” namely money.

“These companies are doing very well,” he said. “They don’t have as big a footprint here in Las Vegas maybe as MGM, Caesars, and Wynn Resorts, but they’re doing quite well. These workers deserve the same wages and benefits and they’re organized and ready to fight for it if they have to.”