On Friday, November 9, 2023, the focus was on whether approximately 5,000 hospitality workers at Wynn Resorts in Las Vegas would go on strike at 5 a.m. (PT) if a suitable contract was not reached. The Culinary Union members at Wynn and Encore properties were reportedly meeting with management to finalize an agreement.
Wynn Resorts revealed during an earnings call that they had allocated funds for expected wage increases outlined in a new contract with the Culinary Union. This information was shared with investors and reported by Las Vegas TV station KLAS.
In contrast, tentative agreements had already been reached earlier in the week between the Culinary Union and Caesars Entertainment, as well as MGM Resorts International. A tentative five-year contract was announced for over 20,000 MGM employees at eight properties after a 20-hour closed-door negotiating session. MGM Resorts CEO & President Bill Hornbuckle expressed his pleasure at reaching the tentative agreement and the positive impact it would have on the company.
Similarly, Caesars Entertainment reached a tentative agreement with the union, pending approval by approximately 10,000 rank-and-file union members. Negotiations with these hospitality workers have been ongoing for about seven months, with about 35,000 workers operating without a contract since September.
Details of the new contracts were not disclosed, but representatives of the Culinary Union indicated they include the largest wage increases negotiated in the union’s history. The union also focused on reducing workloads, improving job safety, protecting workers in the face of increased automation, and enhancing recall rights.
The potential strike at Wynn Resorts could impact the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix, which is expected to bring over 100,000 visitors to the city from November 16 to 18. The article also mentioned the ongoing strike by 3,700 workers at three Detroit gaming properties: Hollywood Casino at Greektown, MGM Grand Detroit, and MotorCity Casino Hotel. These workers have been on strike since October 17, urging people to refrain from entering the casinos.
