BREAKING: All major casinos on the Las Vegas Strip are now unionized, marking a historic milestone for workers. This unprecedented development comes as the Culinary Workers Union officially represents every major casino on the Strip for the first time in its 90-year history.
After years of resistance from the Venetian, a recent ownership change has allowed union representation to flourish. Just as the new Fontainebleau casino inked its first labor contract, the Venetian’s workers approved their agreement, paving the way for a unified workforce across the Strip.
UPDATE: The Culinary Union, representing around 60,000 members primarily in Las Vegas, is the largest labor union in Nevada. Experts highlight this achievement as a rare success in a national landscape where union membership is on the decline.
Susana Pacheco, a single mother and housekeeper at the Venetian, expressed her relief and hope: “Now with the union, we have a voice,” she declared. The new contract has already transformed her life, allowing her to spend more quality time with her children due to improved pay and guaranteed days off.
The recent agreements have secured significant gains for workers, including a historic 32% pay increase over the life of the five-year contract. By the end of this period, unionized casino workers will earn an average of $35 per hour, including benefits.
This pivotal moment comes amid a backdrop of declining national union membership, which stands at about 10% as of 2024, compared to 20% in 1983. Despite pressures from some political factions to weaken unions, the Culinary Union’s resilience is a testament to its deep roots in Las Vegas and its strategic adaptation to the growing corporate landscape of the casino industry.
Experts, including Ruben Garcia from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, point to the consolidation of casinos on the Strip as a double-edged sword. While it can pose challenges for workers, it also provides unions with a singular target for negotiations. In 2023, the looming threat of a strike from 35,000 hospitality workers prompted rapid agreements, averting potential disruption and leading to similar deals across major properties like MGM Resorts and Wynn.
Patrick Nichols, president and CEO of the Venetian, emphasized the positive change brought by the union, stating, “Together, we’ve shown that change can be a positive force.” The sentiments were echoed by long-time union member Paul Anthony, who highlighted how the union has provided job security and health benefits, allowing workers to build enduring careers in an industry often marked by instability.
However, not all voices within the workforce are in agreement. Some workers have raised concerns about union practices, with complaints filed regarding dues collection without consent. “I don’t think Culinary Union bosses deserve my support,” stated Renee Guerrero, a worker at T-Mobile Arena.
Despite these dissenting opinions, the overall momentum is firmly in favor of unionization. Ted Pappageorge, the union’s secretary-treasurer, asserted that their goal has always been to establish a strong union presence in Las Vegas, dubbing it the “Las Vegas dream.”
As this story unfolds, the implications for workers and the broader labor movement continue to resonate. The success of the Culinary Workers Union sets a powerful precedent in an era where labor rights are increasingly under scrutiny.
With negotiations finalized and contracts in place, all eyes remain on the Las Vegas Strip as workers enjoy newfound protections and benefits, redefining the future of hospitality employment in this iconic city.
