Las Vegas hospitality workers vote for strike against hotels, casinos

Two labor unions in Nevada, the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165, overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike on the Las Vegas Strip.

Some 53,000 hospitality workers are in active negotiations with casino/hotel employers for a new five-year contract, of which more than 95% of workers voted for the strike.

The contracts for about 40,000 workers at 22 casino resorts owned by MGM Resorts (MGM), Caesars Entertainment (CZR), and Wynn Resorts (WYNN) expired on Sept. 15.

The unions haven’t set a deadline for the walkout yet, and continue negotiating “in good faith” with the companies, they said in a statement.

The workers have been demanding better pay, benefits, and working conditions, as well as stronger technology protections. Many employees who currently work two jobs have insisted that one should be sufficient.

Bethany Khan, the Culinary Union’s spokesperson, declined to say how much workers are seeking in pay raises. However, according to the union’s statement, it is asking for “the largest wage increases ever negotiated” in its history.

MGM Resorts believes the two sides can negotiate a contract “that is good for everyone.”

The Culinary Union, which represents more than 60,000 hospitality workers in Nevada, is the state’s largest union and one of its strongest political forces.

The U.S. has been witnessing a wave of labor strikes in recent months. While the Hollywood writers’ strike has come to an end, the auto workers’ strike in Detroit may be expanded soon.