Culinary Union, Caesars Entertainment Reach Tentative Deal Days Before Strike Deadline
In a last-minute announcement, Culinary Union representatives revealed on Wednesday that they have tentatively agreed to a new five-year contract with the nine Las Vegas properties owned by Caesars Entertainment. The agreement comes just two days before the set strike deadline for the hospitality workers. The approximately 10,000 rank-and-file union members will need to vote on the offer to make it official.
The tentative agreement was reached after 20 straight hours of closed-door negotiations, marking the end of a seven-month period of discussions. Details on the deal are expected to be released later on Wednesday.
Previously, the Culinary Union disclosed that it was negotiating for wage increases, workload reductions, increased safety, job protection from automation, and recall rights.
However, the threat of a strike still looms for two other casino companies, Wynn Resorts, and MGM Resorts, as they have yet to reach an agreement with the union. Some 25,000 Culinary Union members at those properties are still planning to strike on Friday if a suitable contract isn’t finalized. Union members have been assembling picket signs in anticipation of the possible work stoppage.
The announcement from the Culinary Union comes just days before the highly anticipated Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, scheduled to take place between November 16 and 19.
Following the news of the tentative deal, Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg expressed hope for new contracts to be reached with the union members. In an earnings call last week, Reeg emphasized that the employees of the company should and will participate in the company’s post-merger and post-pandemic success.
In a separate labor dispute, 3,700 workers have been on strike at three Detroit gaming properties since October 17. The workers are urging people not to enter the casinos as healthcare costs and wage increases remain key sticking points in negotiations with the management. The union is advocating for a higher hourly wage increase than what the management has currently offered.
As the negotiations continue, both the Culinary Union and the Detroit gaming workers are pushing for better working conditions and fair compensation for their members.
