Las Vegas hospitality unions announced on Wednesday that employees at Wynn Resorts have overwhelmingly voted in favor of ratifying a new five-year contract. This development follows similar actions by competitors Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International in recent days.
Representing around 5,000 employees at Wynn Resorts properties, the unions reported an impressive 99% approval from their members for the newly negotiated agreement. Earlier this week, union members at both Caesars and MGM also voted in favor of ratifying their respective contracts.
The freshly approved contracts, applicable to employees at MGM, Caesars, and Wynn, promise increased wages for a total workforce of 40,000. Additionally, they alleviate the looming threat of a labor stoppage against casino operators, a potential crisis that could have severely impacted tourism in the city.
The Culinary Union, responsible for negotiating on behalf of workers at MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts casino properties, disclosed that the total compensation secured over the five-year contract amounts to approximately $2 billion. This information was provided by Ted Pappageorge, the secretary-treasurer at Culinary Union.
Highlighting the significant impact of these negotiations, Las Vegas unions, recognized as among the most influential in the United States, declared that they have achieved the largest wage hikes in their history. This includes a noteworthy 10% wage increase for every worker in the first year and a cumulative raise of 32% over the duration of the new contract.
While celebrating these victories, the unions disclosed that separate negotiations are still ongoing for a new five-year contract involving 10,000 workers, including cooks, bartenders, and housekeepers, with 24 smaller casinos and resorts.
Against the backdrop of a steady post-pandemic recovery, casino resort operators in Las Vegas have been reporting record profits, contributing to the positive atmosphere surrounding these recent labor negotiations.
