Culinary Union Strike Threatened for Friday, Negotiations Continue

Posted on: January 29, 2024, 11:16h. 

Last updated on: January 29, 2024, 12:08h.

Thousands of Culinary Union workers are threatening to walk off the job later this week if they don’t reach settlements with Las Vegas hotels and casinos.

As of Monday, some 15 Las Vegas Strip and downtown Las Vegas properties have yet to agree to tentative contracts with their hospitality workers, which include almost 4,000 Culinary Union members.

The Culinary Union has threatened to go out on strike at 5 a.m. Friday at properties without initial agreements in place.

Last Wednesday, the Culinary Union reached a tentative five-year contract with Hilton Grand Vacations in Las Vegas. It covers some 500 hospitality workers. Last Tuesday, the union reached a tentative deal with hundreds of hospitality workers at the Strat Hotel, Casino & Tower.

On Friday, the union additionally held an informational picket outside the Circa, Golden Nugget, and Fremont casinos.

Among the properties yet to reach a tentative agreement with the union are the Rio, Sahara Las Vegas, Treasure Island, Virgin Hotels, Binion’s, Circa, Downtown Grand, El Cortez, Four Queens, Fremont, Golden Gate, Golden Nugget, Main Street, The D, and the Plaza.

Super Bowl Showdown

The threatened strike is scheduled to occur just days before the Super Bowl. The game will be played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday, February 11.

Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada bus drivers and mechanics also threatened to go out on strike, which could impact bus service in the days leading up to and on the Super Bowl.

Many events are scheduled in Las Vegas during the week before the game. Events will kick off with Super Bowl Opening Night at Allegiant Stadium on February 5.

New Contract with Circus Circus

Recently, the Culinary Union reached a tentative contract with workers at Circus Circus Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. The five-year deal was initially approved Friday and still needs to be okayed by rank-and-file workers. It governs almost 700 Circus Circus employees.

“I’m so pleased on the money that we are getting. This is the best contract we’ve ever had … I am so ecstatic,” Altamont Williams, a linen attendant at Circus Circus, said in a statement provided by the Culinary Union.

Details weren’t provided on the agreement.

In recent weeks, the union reached a contract at several other properties, including the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

In November, Culinary Union members negotiated with management at three large casino companies: Wynn Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and MGM Resorts International, averting a threatened strike.