The Culinary Union has successfully negotiated a new five-year contract with the renowned Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas. 

Culinary Union Moves Forward with Contract Vote

Although specific details of the agreement were not disclosed, sources suggest that nearly 300 hospitality workers at the Waldorf Astoria, located in the Las Vegas City Center, will benefit from the newly forged contract. The Culinary Union has been actively engaging with major resort and casino operators in the valley, with this deal marking another milestone in their recent successes.

A spokesperson for the Culinary Union revealed that the next step involves scheduling a contract ratification vote. While the union has successfully reached agreements with most major resort and casino operators in the area, it still faces challenges with 20 independent operators, nine situated on the Strip and 11 downtown.

Last week, the union members employed by independent operators on the Strip and downtown Las Vegas casinos issued a strike threat, scheduled for 5 am on February 2, if tentative agreements were not reached with their employers before then. 

Ted Pappageorge, the Culinary Union’s secretary-treasurer, emphasized the importance of securing equitable agreements for the 7,700 workers employed at these properties, including notable establishments like Trump Hotel Las Vegas, Circus Circus, Sahara Las Vegas, and Golden Nugget.

This looming deadline strategically precedes the Super Bowl scheduled to be held at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, adding an element of urgency to the negotiations.

From Resorts World to Waldorf Astoria, Union Secures Victorious Agreements

The recent victory with Waldorf Astoria follows the Culinary Union’s successful agreement with Resorts World Las Vegas last month, showcasing their determination to champion the cause of fair wages and improved working conditions for all hospitality workers in the city.

As negotiations continue with remaining independent properties, the union’s focus remains on securing favorable terms for its members. The union has already met with several properties this week, but details on the progress are limited. 

Scheduled meetings with Westgate and Trump Hotel Las Vegas in the upcoming days indicate that the union is actively pursuing its agenda for equitable contracts across various establishments.

Last year, unionized workers in the hospitality and gaming industry in Las Vegas dedicated seven months to successfully negotiate and secure new five-year gaming contracts with three prominent casino and entertainment companies. The diligent efforts of the Culinary and Bartenders Unions led to the successful ratification of agreements with Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts International, and Caesars Entertainment.

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It took seven months for unionized hospitality and gaming industry workers in Las Vegas to secure new five-year gaming contracts with three of the major casino and entertainment companies. Efforts of the Culinary and Bartenders Unions resulted in the ratification of contracts with Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment. Some 40,000 unionized workers within the entertainment and gaming sector in Las Vegas were able to secure better working conditions, increased wages and improved job security.

On Monday, 99% of the workers voted in favor of the contract with Caesars Entertainment. Then, on Tuesday, 99% of the unionized workers with MGM Resorts voted to accept and ratify the new five-year contract. Finally, on Wednesday, 99% of the employees with Wynn Resorts approved and accepted the new contract. The voting confirmed the success of the unionized employees and comes after months of intense negotiations and fears over the largest strike of hospitality workers in the history of the United States.

While the new five-year contracts for Caesars, MGM and Wynn employees were voted on and accepted, the Culinary Union continues to negotiate with more operators across Sin City. The debate about better conditions for another 10,000 to 15,000 unionized casino and entertainment industry workers continues through negotiations with some 24 independent and downtown casino operators in Las Vegas.

“The Culinary Union has won the best contracts ever in its 88-year history,“

reads a statement released by the Culinary Union

Entertainment and Casino Industry Workers Secure Better Wages

The latest announcement comes at a time when the Culinary union is celebrating its 88-year anniversary. Ted Pappageorge, the union’s secretary-treasurer, explained that the total compensation secured for the workers at Wynn, Caesars and MGM for the next five years is a staggering $2 billion. He revealed that thanks to this historic achievement, the money will remain in Las Vegas, benefitting neighborhoods and communities.

“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 – that’s $2 billion which will stay in Las Vegas and will benefit every community and neighborhood.“

Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer for the Culinary Union

Pappageorge confirmed that hospitality and gaming industry workers will benefit from a 10% wage increase for the first year of the new contract. The total increase in wages for the full five-year contract would be 32%. He estimated that the average income per hour for unionized workers is $28. This hourly rate will increase significantly, hitting $37 an hour, including benefits, under the new five-year contract. Finally, Pappageorge commended the casino and entertainment companies that agreed to invest in their workers.

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However, the approved legislation has left both industry insiders and Atlantic City casinos puzzled due to unexpected changes made earlier in the week.

New Jersey’s Internet Gambling Extension Cut Short, Causing Concern Among Stakeholders

The original plan was to grant a ten-year extension to Internet gambling, which has been in operation for a decade now. But, surprisingly, an Assembly panel secretly shortened the extension to just two years, causing confusion and concern among stakeholders. Shortly after, the extension was amended again to a five-year term without any official explanation.

The state Assembly and Senate approved the bill with little resistance, and now it awaits the decision of Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, who has the final say on its implementation.

The Atlantic City casino industry, through its trade association, has voiced strong support for a full ten-year extension, citing its critical importance for the casinos’ sustained success. Daniel Heneghan, a gambling industry consultant, expressed his reservations about the shortened extension, saying it could send the wrong message to potential companies interested in entering the online gaming market, reported the Associated Press.

Since the introduction of Internet gambling in November 2013, the casinos in Atlantic City, along with their online partners, have generated an impressive $6.29 billion in revenue from online gamblers. This growth has been widely attributed to the survival of Atlantic City casinos during the challenging months of the pandemic, where online gambling proved to be a lifeline for the struggling industry.

New Jersey Legislature’s Move Spurs Debate on Gambling Tax Rates and Market Uncertainty

Despite the state’s thriving online gambling market, there are concerns that the Legislature’s decision to cut the extension may have already had adverse effects. Experts fear that uncertainty surrounding the industry’s future could deter potential investors, hindering further growth in the nation-leading internet gambling market.

There is also speculation that the Legislature’s move might be a strategic attempt to gain leverage over Atlantic City in terms of increasing future gambling tax rates. Presently, the state taxes in-person winnings at casinos at a rate of 8%, while online sports betting and internet gambling are taxed at 13% and 15%, respectively.

The fate of internet gambling in New Jersey now lies in the hands of Gov. Murphy. If he signs the bill, online gambling will be authorized to continue for another five years. However, should he reject or veto the bill, online gambling will be limited to Atlantic City casinos only. 

During the month of May, New Jersey lawmakers also put forward additional legislation to tackle the increasing issue of gambling addiction among college students. The proposed bill mandates educational institutions to prominently display a hotline number for gambling addiction. In May, another bill was introduced in New Jersey, signaling a change in the state’s approach to dealing with underage gambling. The legislation aims to offer assistance and support to young individuals facing gambling addiction, rather than focusing on punitive measures.

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