In a groundbreaking turn of events, Las Vegas hotel union workers have voted overwhelmingly to approve their contract agreement with Caesars Entertainment, putting an end to lengthy labor disputes that had cast the looming threat of a historic strike over the Strip.
Resounding Approval
The Culinary Workers Union, via a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), declared that an astonishing 99% of the vote favored the new five-year deal. Described as the “BEST CONTRACT EVER!” in the post, the approval is a significant milestone for the approximately 10,000 hospitality workers involved.
Awaiting Further Approvals
The union is now anticipated to extend its approval to proposed contracts with Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts International later in the week. These breakthrough deals, tentatively reached earlier this month, averted the imminent risk of a massive walkout at 18 hotel-casinos on the Strip, including iconic establishments such as Bellagio, Paris Las Vegas, MGM Grand, and Caesars Palace.
Sacrifices for Wins
Ted Pappageorge, the union’s chief negotiator, acknowledged the sacrifices made by the workers during seven months of negotiations. Workers, he stated, were prepared to accept a cut in pay if the strike had proceeded. Their dedication led to historic pay raises, reduced housekeeping workloads, and enhanced job security in the face of technological advancements.
A Hard-Fought Victory
Reflecting on the strenuous negotiations, Pappageorge emphasized that nothing was guaranteed, and the workers’ efforts, including rallies, protests, and strike votes, played a crucial role in securing a better future. The chief negotiator, himself a former union hospitality worker who participated in a six-year strike in 1991, highlighted the resilience of the union’s members.
Financial Impact
The union has secured a substantial 32% pay increase for its members over the next five years, with a noteworthy 10% pay bump in the initial year of the new contract. Pappageorge estimated this would translate to approximately $2 billion from the casino companies by the end of the contract, marking a significant financial victory for the union and its members.
As the Las Vegas hotel union workers celebrate this historic agreement, it marks the end of a chapter of uncertainty and labor tension, paving the way for improved working conditions and financial benefits for thousands in the hospitality sector.