Historically unprecedented unionization of all casinos on the Las Vegas Strip
In a groundbreaking move for the gaming industry, every casino on the Las Vegas Strip has now been unionized. This significant shift, finalized at the end of 2024, marks a historic victory for the Culinary Union and represents a major change in labor rights and political influence in Nevada.
The journey towards unionization began in 2023, when threats of a strike by approximately 35,000 hospitality employees in Las Vegas led to historic deals being signed with major players such as Caesars Entertainment, Wynn Resorts, and MGM Resorts.
One of the most notable casinos to join the union ranks is The Venetian, which had resisted unionization for its 25-year existence. The Venetian conceded to unionization in August 2024, following a change in ownership. Around the same time, The Fontainebleau also agreed to unionization.
The unionization has brought about significant changes in employee benefits. Guaranteed wage increases will lead to a minimum wage of $35 per hour by 2028. Improved working conditions include a more manageable number of hotel suites for housekeepers, aiming for a better work-life balance. Employees also now have enhanced job stability and guaranteed days off, as well as access to stable health insurance and overall better pay and benefits.
Many contracts also include job protection, with previously laid-off employees given priority for new roles. This move is expected to provide a sense of security for the workforce amidst the current challenges faced by the industry.
However, the unionization comes at a time when the tourism industry in Las Vegas is facing a downturn. Tourism levels have dropped by 11% year-on-year, as of June, and resorts are struggling to fill rooms. Insiders predict that resorts will begin to cut costs in response to these challenges.
Despite these challenges, the unionization of every Las Vegas Strip casino is a landmark achievement for the Culinary Union and its members, offering better pay, paid leave, pensions, and family health insurance. The Culinary Workers Union now represents employees at every Las Vegas casino, a first in the city's history.
In the aftermath of successful negotiations in 2023, major casinos like Caesars Entertainment's properties, Wynn Resorts, and MGM Resorts agreed to unionize their operations, a move that culminated in the unionization of all casinos on the Las Vegas Strip by the end of 2024. This monumental shift, spearheaded by the Culinary Union, has major implications for the casino-and-gambling scene in Las Vegas, as it brings about improved working conditions, enhanced job security, and increased wages for thousands of workers.
