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Historic Labor Win: Every Major Casino on the Las Vegas Strip is Now Unionized

The Evolution of Labor Rights on the Las Vegas Strip

When Susana Pacheco accepted a housekeeping job at a casino on the Las Vegas Strip 16 years ago, she saw it as a pathway to stability for her and her young daughter. However, her experience exemplified the struggles many workers face in the hospitality industry: long hours, exhausting workloads, and limited access to benefits and health insurance. Caught in a relentless cycle of low pay and minimal support, Pacheco’s aspirations began to wane. This narrative is one shared by many, but recent developments suggest a possible shift in the landscape of labor rights in Las Vegas.

A Historic Turning Point

For a quarter of a century, the Venetian casino remained one of the last strongholds against unionization on the Strip. Workers’ efforts to organize were met with resistance, and the prospect of labor representation felt remote. However, a change in ownership catalyzed a new era. The Venetian, alongside the freshly opened Fontainebleau, negotiated historic labor contracts that now ensure union representation for all major casinos along the Strip.

This landmark achievement reflects progress for the Culinary Workers Union, which boasts 60,000 members, primarily concentrated in Las Vegas. As the largest labor union in Nevada, its success defies the national trend of declining union membership, which has dwindled to about 10% of U.S. workers in 2024.

“With the union, we have a voice,” Pacheco notes, emphasizing the transformation in her daily life since the new contract was secured.

Union Resilience Amidst National Decline

These gains come at a peculiar time, marked by increasing challenges for unions across the nation. The Culinary Union stands out as an anomaly in a landscape where collective bargaining faces substantial headwinds. Factors such as legislative resistance and right-to-work laws have made unionization more difficult in many states. In a climate where union membership has shrunk dramatically—from 20% in 1983 to just 10% today—Nevada’s Culinary Workers Union remains a beacon of worker solidarity.

Ruben Garcia, a professor and director of the workplace program at the University of Nevada, reflects on the union’s unique position. The consolidation of casinos, primarily under the control of a few powerful companies—MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts—offers the union a distinctive advantage. “That consolidation,” he explains, “can make things harder for workers in some ways, but it also gives unions one large target.”

In 2023, union solidarity among hospitality workers averted a potentially crippling strike, as last-minute agreements with casino operators led to significant pay increases and enhanced job security for thousands.

Transformative Impacts for Workers

The new contracts have tangible benefits. Workers are witnessing an average pay increase of 32% over a five-year span, translating to an average hourly wage of $35, including benefits by the contract’s conclusion. For many, such financial improvements mean a shift from merely surviving to truly living.

The union’s influence stretches further than just wage negotiation; it plays a pivotal role in political mobilization, leveraging its extensive member base to impact local elections and labor-related policies. Endorsements from the Culinary Union are highly sought after, particularly among Democratic candidates keen to secure working-class support.

Ongoing Challenges and Resistance

Despite the successes, Pacheco’s story is not unique. While the union enjoys broad support—95-98% of workers choose to join in most casinos—there remain dissenting voices. Anti-union sentiments persist, as seen in the complaints lodged with the National Labor Relations Board by some workers contesting the union’s practices on dues.

Michael Green, a history professor at UNLV, highlights the persistent challenges, stating, “There have always been people who are anti-union.” Yet, longtime members argue that the benefits of union membership far outweigh the disadvantages.

Paul Anthony, a food server at the Bellagio and union member for nearly 40 years, asserts that the rights and protections afforded by the union have allowed him to build a stable career in a volatile industry.

The Vision for a Union Town

The Culinary Union’s overarching aim, as articulated by secretary-treasurer Ted Pappageorge, is to ensure Las Vegas remains a union town. This vision resonates not only with current union members but also with generations of workers who see the potential for a dignified, sustainable livelihood in an industry often characterized by instability.

As Las Vegas continues to evolve, the recent labor developments signal a potential shift towards enhanced worker rights, demonstrating that collective action can yield significant change, even in an increasingly challenging national climate.

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