A strike in Las Vegas by hospitality workers is close after unions representing close to 53K culinary workers and bartenders in Las Vegas warned that they have seen no real movement this week in contract negotiations with casino-resort operators MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) and Caesars Entertainment.
The demands from the Culinary Workers and Bartenders unions include a higher level of wages, stronger protections against new technology that may threaten jobs, a reduction in steep housekeeping quotas, and improved safety for workers.
The Culinary Union has been negotiating since April with MGM Resorts International (MGM), Caesars Entertainment (NASDAQ:CZR), and Wynn Resorts (WYNN), without reaching a deal for a new 5-year contract. Members of the Culinary and Bartenders Unions voted by a 95% majority to authorize a citywide strike. The Culinary Union, which is now authorized to call for a strike at any date or time, has not yet set a strike deadline and said it continues to negotiate in good faith with all gaming companies.