Culinary Union Nears Contracts with Major Las Vegas Employers

Culinary Union 226 members are close to signing five-year contracts with three major employers: MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Encore Resort. This is a huge step for workers in the hospitality industry on the Las Vegas Strip. Following protracted talks earlier this month, around 40,000 workers will participate in the ratification voting.

With a 99 percent approval rating, Caesars Entertainment employees voted in favor of the new five-year contract to start the voting process. Workers at MGM Resorts will vote on Tuesday, while those at Wynn Resorts will do the same on Wednesday.

Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge highlighted the substantial impact of the negotiated contracts, stating, “The total compensation won by the Culinary Union for MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts workers is approximately $2 billion over the total five-year contract.” He emphasized the significance of every worker receiving a 10% wage increase in the first year and a cumulative 32% over the contract’s duration.

Historic Negotiations and Achievements

Pappageorge called the negotiations “historic” and highlighted the exceptional achievements that came with them, such as large pay increases, workload guarantees, defense against technology that may eliminate jobs, and improved career assistance. The union wants to make vote results available at the end of each day. To ratify a contract, a simple majority is needed.

Representing over 15,000 employees, the Culinary Union is now negotiating with 24 separate Strip and Downtown Las Vegas casino properties. Strike dates for some independent Strip owners by year’s end and possible deadlines for downtown venues by early 2024 were mentioned by Pappageorge.

Pappageorge addressed the discrepancies in the terms of the contract and economic package that the union was expecting, notwithstanding the differences in size and importance, with regard to the discussions with independent Strip owners. Union members in Downtown Las Vegas are expected to push for a similar contract, but with pay improvements relative to their Strip counterparts.

The conclusion of these talks marks a turning point for Las Vegas’s hospitality workforce and demonstrates the tenacity and power of organized labor under trying conditions.

Historic Agreements, Culinary Union Nears Contract Milestone with Major Las Vegas Employers

As Culinary Local 226 members are closer to signing five-year contracts with industry heavyweights MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Encore Resort, historic developments are in store for those employed in the Las Vegas hospitality sector. Following intense talks earlier this month, this crucial time comes with almost 40,000 workers scheduled to vote in favor ratification.

Workers at Caesars Entertainment began the ratification process with a remarkable 99 percent approval rate, demonstrating strong support for the new five-year contract. Workers at Wynn Resorts will vote on Wednesday, and those at MGM Resorts will vote on Tuesday.

With the statement, “The total compensation won by the Culinary Union for MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts workers is approximately $2 billion over the entire five-year contract,” Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge highlighted the significant implications of these contracts. He underlined the need of a pay boost of 10% for each employee in the first year and a total of 32% throughout the course of the contract.

Pappageorge called the agreements “historic,” pointing out previously unheard-of benefits such significant pay raises, workload guarantees, defense against technologies that may eliminate jobs, and improved career assistance. At the conclusion of each day, the voting results will be made public. To ratify the contract, a simple majority is needed.

Representing over 15,000 employees, the Culinary Union is now engaged in active negotiations with 24 independent casino properties located on the Strip and in Downtown Las Vegas. By year’s end, Pappageorge stated, there may be strike deadlines with certain independent Strip operators, and by early 2024, for downtown establishments.

In spite of variations in size and importance, Pappageorge stressed the union’s expectation for a comparable economic package and contract while speaking to independent Strip operators during talks. Union members in Downtown Las Vegas are anticipated to push for a similar contract that includes pay improvements relative to their colleagues on the Strip.

This impending culmination of negotiations represents a historic moment for Las Vegas hospitality workers, showcasing the resilience and strength of organized labor in navigating challenging circumstances.