Wynn Resorts dodges workers strike, reaches deal with union

Wynn Las Vegas – Wynn 2 (2) – CC BY-SA

Wynn Resorts recently reached a tentative labor agreement with Las Vegas hotel and restaurant workers hours before the deadline, as announced by the Culinary and Bartenders Union on Friday, November 10.

The deal followed a months-long negotiation between Wynn and the union, covering 5,000 workers. The content of the agreement is similar to those reached with Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International earlier this week, covering over 35,000 workers.

The agreement, according to the announcement, promises the largest wage increase in the history of the Culinary Union. It also mandates daily room cleaning to increase the job security of workers. The agreement also extends recall rights for workers in the event of another pandemic or economic crisis for up to three years.

The specifics of the agreement are not disclosed to the public yet, as the union aims for workers to first review the contract and vote on the agreement. The ratification vote of the contract, according to the union’s announcement, will be scheduled soon. The ratification of the agreement requires a majority vote by the union’s members.

“After seven months of negotiations, we are proud to say that this is the best contract and economic package we have ever won for in our 88-year history,” said Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer for the Culinary Union. He added that the agreement has secured notable raises for workers for the next five years, as well as increased job security and workers safety, as well as benefits.

For a more beneficial future

Wynn’s spokesperson Michael Weaver said he is hoping that the agreement will be mutually beneficial for both parties and expressed his pleasure in reaching an agreement with the workers.

“We look forward to ratification of our agreement soon, and to providing the legendary service for which our employees are known to the thousands of race fans about to join us,” Weaver said.

Casino resorts in Las Vegas have been seeing increased profits amid a post-pandemic recovery trend. As a response, a number of unions demanded employers for better pay and job security, which then prompted the labor negotiations. According to the unions, negotiations are still ongoing for 24 casinos and resorts in Las Vegas.