MGM Resorts Nears Deal with Las Vegas Workers, Averting Strike
In a last-minute move to avoid a threatened walkout, MGM Resorts announced it was close to reaching a deal with approximately 20,000 hospitality workers in Las Vegas. The news came just hours before the strike deadline. According to CEO Bill Hornbuckle, a tentative settlement with the Culinary Union was forthcoming, addressing the workers’ concerns, including a pay increase to combat inflation.
Meanwhile, the Culinary Union reached a tentative contract with Caesars Entertainment, covering an estimated 10,000 workers. Wynn Resorts is still negotiating with union members, remaining hopeful that a tentative contract can be reached soon.
The strike deadline is on Friday, and if no deals are reached, the union has threatened to go on strike. However, any tentative agreements reached at the bargaining table will still need approval from rank-and-file union members before taking effect.
While there is cautious optimism about the progress of the negotiations, especially with MGM, a tentative agreement with Caesars was revealed to improve salary, job security, working conditions, and benefits for union members. Caesars Entertainment stated that the new agreement will lead to “meaningful wage increases that align with our past performance.”
The pressure to avoid a strike is intensified due to the highly anticipated Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix scheduled for November 16-19. As tourists express concerns about the potential strike’s impact on the quality of services, the workers are also urging people not to enter the three Detroit casinos – Hollywood Casino at Greektown, MGM Grand Detroit, and MotorCity Casino Hotel.
Despite the ongoing negotiations and the intense pressure to avoid a strike, the situation remains uncertain for the workers and the hospitality industry in Las Vegas and Detroit.
