The Culinary Union, the largest union in Nevada, representing some 60,000 workers across the entertainment and hospitality sector in the state, called for a 48-hour strike at Virgin Las Vegas, amid dragging negotiations for better conditions for employees of the venue. Ultimately, the union fights for better working conditions for the 700 hospitality workers at Virgin Las Vegas.

The call for the strike marks a historic moment as the property has never been subject to a strike from the Culinary and Bartenders Union before. The strike is planned to start at 5 AM on Friday, May 10 and continue through Sunday, May 12 at 4:59 AM.

Although the union had organized a main table negotiation with Virgin Las Vegas on Tuesday, at the time of writing, there’s no information suggesting that the discussions had a positive outcome. During the time of the strike, the union urges “the community and customers to support workers and to not patronize or cross picketing happening on strike lines.”

The negotiations and potential strike come at a time when workers at Virgin Hotel Las Vegas expect a new 5-year union contract. With the strike, the Culinary Union seeks to ensure better working conditions for the venue’s employees. If the strike takes place as planned, it is expected to impact all areas of the venue’s operations, including departments such as food and beverage, housekeeping and even restaurants. Unionized restaurants at Virgin Las Vegas include The Bar at Commons Club, Juice Bar, Casa Calavera, Funny Library Coffee Shop, The Shag Room and The Kitchen at Commons Club.

The Strike Comes at a Time When Employees Expect a New 5-Year Contract

Ted Pappageorge, the Culinary Union’s secretary-treasurer, spoke about the expired contract for the workers at Virgin Las Vegas. He said that after the contract expired on June 1, 2023, it has now been nearly a year and those employees still do not have a new contract in place. Pappageorge encouraged community members and customers not to cross the strike line and show support for the employees who are on strike.

Additionally, the secretary-treasurer said that Virgin Las Vegas employees deserve fair wages and better job security and they are ready to go on a strike to achieve this goal. “As Virgin Las Vegas workers go on strike on Friday, May 10th, the Culinary Union has their back every step of the way and we will win,” added Pappageorge.

“It’s been nearly one year since the contract at Virgin Las Vegas expired on June 1, 2023 and workers are still working without a contract, that’s why the Culinary Union has called for a 48-hour strike at the Virgin Las Vegas and urge the community and customers to not cross the strike line.“

Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer at the Culinary Union

He spoke about the Culinary Union’s extensive efforts over nearly nine decades that helped ensure the well-being and potential growth of workers across Nevada. Last but not least, Pappageorge vowed the union will continue to support its members, promoting fair wages, job security, better health care and other benefits for hospitality workers.

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Culinary Union members in Las Vegas are considering an informational picket after failing to reach a new contract agreements with casino hotels on the Strip. Employees at several properties are threatening to walk off their jobs, demonstrating their desire for new contracts.

The strike is scheduled for tomorrow and will see Culinary Union members working at the Rio Las Vegas, SAHARA Las Vegas and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas leave their workplaces. The Culinary Union also announced that it is planning to begin 36 hours of nonstop picketing of all unsettled casinos.

According to the Union, tomorrow’s demonstration would be an informational picket and not a strike.

Wherever there is an active picket line outside of an unsettled casino, the Culinary Union will be urging customers and community allies to not cross the picket line on Friday and Saturday.

Culinary Union statement

In the meantime, the Culinary Union pushed forward the strike deadline until Monday, February 5, for the 10 downtown Vegas properties without contracts. These include Binion’s, Circa, Downtown Grand, El Cortez, Four Queens, Fremont, Golden Gate, Golden Nugget, Main Street and The D Casino.

As negotiations progress, Culinary Union moves strike deadline to Feb. 5 for 10 DTLV properties, will begin 36-hours of continuous picketing of all unsettled casinos. Strike deadline for Rio, Sahara, & Virgin remains on 2/2.

Culinary Union statement

The Union Already Achieved a Number of Victories

For reference, a whopping 2,600 workers in the Las Vegas hospitality industry are currently working without a contract and are now seeking a five-year agreement. The negotiations continue as Culinary Union members are yet to sign definitive agreements.

In the meantime, the Culinary Union already achieved several victories after successfully negotiating with MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment and Wynn Resorts. The union also reached an agreement with the Plaza casino in downtown Vegas, as well as with a number of Strip independents, namely Circus Circus, Four Seasons, Hilton Grand Vacations, Mirage/Hard Rock, Strat, Treasure Island, Tropicana, Trump Hotel, Waldorf Astoria and Westgate.

In the meantime, the potential strikes threaten to interfere with the Super Bowl preparations, providing the Culinary Union with extra leverage.

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Super Bowl LVIII, one of the most-anticipated National Football League (NFL) events for the year, is scheduled to take place on February 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. While there are plenty of festive activities planned throughout the week before the game, Sin City visitors may see hospitality worker picket lines in front of downtown and Strip hotel casinos.

Last week, the Culinary Union, representing casino workers in the city successfully negotiated a new five-year contract for the employees at Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas. While this was a major success for the union and the workers, negotiations with 20 hotel casino resorts on the Las Vegas Strip and downtown continue and picket lines may be seen.

In a recent interview for The Nevada Independent, Ted Pappageorge, the Culinary Union’s secretary-treasurer, confirmed that picket lines can be seen in front of the properties just in time for the Super Bowl LVIII celebrations planned early in February. Pappageorge reaffirmed the need for a deadline, something that was announced by the Culinary Union earlier this month. At the time, the Union set February 2 at 5 AM as the deadline for the negotiations with the remaining 20 downtown and Strip hotel casinos.

Hospitality Employees Are Prepared to Go On Strike

Pappageorge spoke about the importance of the new contracts with the outstanding casino hotels, explaining that the workers there deserve the same benefits as the deals negotiated with the major operators in Sin City. He revealed that February 2 represents exactly nine months since the contracts of the hospitality workers expired.

While Pappageorge confirmed that the Unions want to avoid a strike, he said that “any responsible labor leader is going to do their best to reserve that right.” He confirmed that the workers at the resorts where contracts are outstanding are prepared to go on strike to secure better conditions, fair wages and job benefits.

“At the same time, these companies need to know things have changed since the pandemic. These companies are doing well and workers want their fair share and they’re prepared to strike to achieve that goal.“

Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer for the Culinary Union

Last year, the Union reached agreements for new five-year contracts with Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International and Wynn Resorts, the three leading casino and entertainment operators in Las Vegas. Recognized as a major win, the negotiations secured better working conditions, increased pay and job security for some 40,000 employees in the sector.

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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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Detroit’s bustling casino scene faced yet another blow to its gambling revenue in November, marking the lowest monthly earnings in 22 years. The three major casinos – MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown – collectively amassed $76 million in slot and table game revenue, reflecting a substantial 28.2% decline from their monthly average in 2023 prior to the workers’ strike.

MGM Grand Detroit Faces Revenue Plunge During Prolonged Strike

Although this figure fell $5.7 million below the October total of $81.7 million, industry insiders note that it is somewhat of a triumph considering the extended impact of the casino workers’ strike throughout November. 

The strike had a profound effect on MGM Grand Detroit, which bore the brunt of the revenue downturn, experiencing a strike that persisted for the entire month until a resolution was reached on December 2.

MGM Grand Detroit’s November revenue of $30.6 million plummeted by 38.2%, significantly below the 2023 average prior to the strike. 

After a 47-day labor dispute, the Detroit Casino Council successfully negotiated a historic five-year labor agreement with MGM Grand Detroit on December 2, ending the strike that began on October 17.

Nearly 4,000 union members, representing various unions, voted overwhelmingly in favor of the contract, securing substantial wage increases, including an immediate raise of $3 per hour and a cumulative $5 per hour over the contract’s duration. The agreement also includes bonuses, no healthcare cost increases, workload reductions, and unprecedented job and technology protections. 

MotorCity and Greektown Casinos Show Stability Amid November’s Strike Fallout

MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown, in contrast, witnessed relatively stable figures in November, with the strike ending on November 19 for both establishments.

MotorCity Casino, which recorded $25 million in gaming revenue in October, experienced a marginal dip to $24.7 million in November. Hollywood Casino at Greektown, on the other hand, exceeded its October revenue of $19.4 million by reaching $20.7 million in November.

In a surprising twist, retail sports betting revenue at the Detroit casinos reached a yearly high in November despite the workers’ strike. The three establishments collectively raked in $15.3 million in wagers, slightly down from October’s $18.1 million but a marked improvement from November 2022’s figures. 

MotorCity Casino emerged as the frontrunner in this category, attracting the highest revenue and handle with $8 million in wagers and $2.2 million in revenue.

Calculating the overall impact of the strike, the three casinos lost approximately $51.1 million in combined revenue.

While this represents only 4.6% of the current $1.12 billion in combined gaming revenue for 2023, industry analysts speculate that this setback might hinder the casinos from surpassing the 2022 combined yearly revenue total of $1.28 billion.

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After a grueling 47-day standoff, the Detroit Casino Council announced the ratification of a groundbreaking labor agreement with MGM Grand Detroit, effectively bringing an end to the strike that commenced on October 17. The agreement, hailed as historic, follows similar resolutions with Hollywood Casino at Greektown and MotorCity Casino, solidifying a united front for the city’s casino workers.

MGM Grand Detroit Workers Secure Record Wage Increases

The union members, comprising nearly 4,000 employees under the Detroit Casino Council, voted overwhelmingly in favor of the five-year contract on December 2. The prolonged strike, triggered by concerns over healthcare and stagnant wages, saw solidarity among workers from various unions, including UNITE HERE Local 24, UAW Local 7777, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters.

The terms of the agreement mark a significant victory for the workers, with MGM Grand Detroit employees securing the largest wage increases in the casino’s history. Immediate pay raises of $3 per hour, translating to an average 18% increase, were granted upon ratification. 

Over the course of the five-year contract, employees are slated to receive a cumulative $5 per hour raise. Notably, the agreement includes a bonus option, no healthcare cost increases, workload reductions, and unprecedented job and technology protections.

MGM Grand Detroit Staff Reflect on Strike’s Significance

Patrick Nichols, a dealer at MGM Grand Detroit and member of UAW Local 7777, conveyed his satisfaction with the negotiated contract, expressing that he was impressed by how all the unions and members had worked together to secure an excellent contract. He mentioned that he was looking forward to returning to work, reported the Michigan Advance.

The Detroit Casino Council, in a written statement, highlighted the significance of the agreement, emphasizing the inclusion of first-ever technology protections and a paid Juneteenth holiday. 

Alicia Weaver, a guest room attendant with 24 years of service at MGM Grand Detroit, shared her thoughts on the broader impact of the strike, stating for Detroit Free Press that, together with the rest of the MGM family who stood with them on the picket line in challenging weather conditions, they had made history. She expressed pride in what they had achieved by taking a stand together.MGM Resorts International executives welcomed the resolution with enthusiasm.

Matt Buckley, the President and COO of the Midwest Group at MGM Resorts International, expressed their excitement about welcoming the team back and continuing to offer guests the renowned entertainment experiences associated with MGM Grand Detroit.

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The strike by unionized casino workers at MGM Grand Detroit continues after they rejected a tentative five-year labor contract. The decision stands in contrast to the resolution reached at MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown, where workers overwhelmingly approved the proposed agreements, ending their 34-day strike.

Detroit Casino Council Faces Scrutiny as MGM Grand Workers Decline Tentative Agreement

The Detroit Casino Council, representing five unions, had brokered a tentative deal on November 17 to cover 3,700 workers across the three casinos. While the rejection by MGM Grand workers raises questions, the council refrained from disclosing specific reasons behind the decision.

Wendy Abraham, a union member and dealer at MGM Grand Detroit, expressed apprehension about the extended 64-month contract, stating that she had reservations, believing it to be excessively long, reported WMYD Detroit. Another significant issue for several individuals involved the suggested upfront pay raise of $3 per hour. Catherine Bilek Roberts, also affiliated with MGM, maintained that they should receive a minimum of $6 or $7 per hour in the initial year.

Notably, the rejection by MGM Grand workers has left them isolated, with MotorCity and Hollywood Casino employees returning to work. The broader context of labor struggles in Detroit sees parallels with ongoing strikes, such as those by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan workers.

MGM’s Strong Finances Clash with Detroit’s Casino Strike

The rejection carries significance against the backdrop of MGM Resorts International‘s robust financial performance, reporting net revenues of $4 billion in the third quarter, a 16% increase from the previous year. 

At the same time, the month-long strike has led to temporary closures and disruptions in services, impacting valet services and amenities at the affected casinos. The Michigan Gaming Control Board reported substantial revenue losses in October, ranging from $5 million to $7 million for each casino, resulting in an 18% drop in overall revenue compared to the previous month. 

The MGM casino management expressed disappointment at the rejection, with Matt Buckley, President & COO of MGM Resorts Midwest Group, calling the offer “historic” and emphasizing its potential benefits for employees and their families.

Buckley emphasized that the proposal comprised the most extensive wage hikes ever seen in the 23-year history of the Detroit casino industry. As the strike persists, the impact on Detroit and Michigan’s economy remains a concern, with projected daily losses of approximately $738,000 in city and state tax revenues and $3.4 million in casino operator revenues.

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The month-long strike by 3,700 workers across MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown is taking a toll on Detroit’s gaming scene. As a result of the ongoing labor dispute, temporary closures have been announced, impacting valet services and various amenities at all three establishments.

Detroit Casinos Face Service Disruptions and Revenue Plunge Amidst Strike Fallout

Despite the casinos remaining open, the absence of valet services has forced patrons to use self-parking garages exclusively. MotorCity Casino, facing additional challenges, has seen closures in high-limit table games, first-floor slots, poker rooms, D.TOUR Spa, Lacquer Gift Shop, and the radio bar.

Hollywood Casino at Greektown has adjusted its services, reducing restaurant hours and impacting beverage offerings. While the strike has led to a decline in revenue, the resolve among striking workers remains high.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board revealed substantial revenue losses for October, the month when the strike began. Each casino reported losses ranging from $5 million to $7 million. The market shares for October were 46% for MGM, 31% for MotorCity, and 23% for Hollywood Casino at Greektown.

The financial impact is evident in the October revenue figures, showing an 18% drop in revenue compared to the previous month. The three casinos collectively reported $82.8 million in revenue, with MGM leading at $37.3 million, down 19.6%, followed by MotorCity with $25 million, down 22.8%, and Hollywood Casino at $19.4 million, down 11.7%.

Detroit Casino Council Keeps on Fighting for Workers’ Rights

Taxes paid to the state and city also decreased significantly, with a total decline of $3.9 million compared to October 2022. The workers’ strike, which began on October 17, has affected not only gaming revenue but also retail sports betting, which recorded a 23% decline in handle, dropping to $18.1 million.

The impact on retail sports betting revenue is substantial, with a 46.9% year-over-year decrease. The MGM Grand Detroit saw the most significant decline, recording just $4.7 million in handle, a 51.1% drop from October 2022.

As the strike continues into November, the future looks challenging for Detroit’s gaming industry, with potential greater losses anticipated in the coming months. 

The Detroit Casino Council, representing workers from five different unions, is advocating for improved healthcare, better wages, job security, and fair workloads. Kimberly Rector, a MotorCity worker, conveyed that they feel appreciated outside because there is a lack of appreciation inside and they will keep on striking until they achieve what they want, reported Fox 2 Detroit.

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Tensions are escalating in Las Vegas as the Culinary Union intensifies its preparations for an impending strike against major casino resorts, including MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts, slated for November 10. Union members have been assembling picket signs at their headquarters near Wyoming Avenue and S. Las Vegas Boulevard in anticipation of the strike deadline.

Las Vegas Union Members Express Dissatisfaction Over Progress

Expressing their frustrations, union members voiced concerns about their working conditions and job security. Emphasizing the personal stakes involved for the workers and their families, Aretha Wilder, a union member said: “We’ve worked hard for these companies. We deserve not to be left behind. We deserve not to have our hours cut, we deserve not to have to work two or three stations.” 

Elsa Roldan, another union member, emphasized that there had been limited progress in the negotiations, stressing the lack of significant improvements. She stated that from the beginning, they had been willing to do whatever it took to secure a fair contract, highlighting the union’s steadfast determination.

Despite ongoing discussions, union officials remain dissatisfied with the current state of negotiations, reported KTNV Las Vegas. Ted Pappageorge, the Union’s Secretary-Treasurer, acknowledged some movement in recent weeks but emphasized that it still falls short. Pappageorge explained that they were cautiously optimistic and mentioned that if any company did the right thing and made substantial concessions, they could potentially reach a settlement. He hinted at the possibility of one, two, or even three of these companies facing strikes.

Culinary Union Urges Support for Workers Amid Formula 1 Turmoil

In addition to the ongoing labor dispute, the developments have further heightened concerns regarding the Formula 1 Grand Prix scheduled to begin on November 16. The Culinary Union has urged race attendees to support their cause by refraining from crossing picket lines and avoiding hotels and casinos affected by the labor dispute.

Amidst these tensions, the Culinary Union remains firm in its demands, emphasizing that the proposals put forth by the employers, while historic, are insufficient. Union leaders, including Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge, have underscored the workers’ rights for fair treatment and just contracts, particularly in light of the substantial profits enjoyed by the corporations involved.

Two weeks ago, members of the Culinary Workers Union in Las Vegas organized a nonviolent demonstration to draw attention to their ongoing contract talks with prominent casinos. Around 58 demonstrators were apprehended during the protest, which sought to raise concerns about essential matters such as salary increases and a better work environment.

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Crown Resorts’ woes continue as Crown Melbourne workers prepare to strike just as the highly anticipated Melbourne Cup looms. The Australian casino and hospitality giant recently encountered regulatory problems and is currently struggling with low visitation rates and taxes.

Crown’s workers also aren’t happy with the conditions they are getting. Their current demands include fair wage increases for every year of the new employment agreement and higher weekend and holiday pay rates. Furthermore, employees demand better work rosters that would allow workers to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Finally, the Crown workers demand service-based payment progression.

The upcoming strike comes amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis that continues to affect the global economy. As a result, workers across the world have been increasingly vocal in their demands for better conditions.

Crown Resorts’ workers in particular expressed concerns about the increasing bills and transportation costs that continue to affect their financial well-being.

Protests May Disrupt Crown amid the Melbourne Cup

A proposed schedule envisions strikes to take place on Saturday from 6 pm to 10 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm and Monday from 6 pm to 10 pm. The strikes will see the Crown workers stop work for four hours on each of the three days in demonstration of their disgruntlement with the current state of affairs.

The strike is set to coincide with the Melbourne Cup, potentially causing trouble for the casino company. Workers likely hope that this will exert pressure and make the higher-ups listen.

At first, the United Workers Union tried to organize a strike involving 3,600 workers, claiming that all union members should be allowed to strike in accordance with a recent vote. At first, Crown tried to bring this number down to only 1,700 but eventually agreed to allow 3,100 employees to strike.

The dispute between the casino company and its workers is ongoing.

Elsewhere, Detroit’s casino workers entered a third week of strike but a resolution seems to be on the horizon. The Detroit strike saw 3,700 unionized casino workers disrupt casino operations.

In the meantime, unionized Las Vegas workers continue to negotiate with local casino employers. A peaceful protest was recently staged but, unfortunately, led to arrests, much to the union’s dismay.

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