“Today, Culinary and Bartenders Union members have sent the strongest message possible to the casino industry to settle a fair contract as soon as possible,” Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer for the union, said in a statement. “It’s up to the three largest employers in Las Vegas to step up and do the right thing.” The union represents nearly all nongaming workers at hotels and casinos, including housekeepers, waitstaff and kitchen staff. The union did not set a deadline for a walkout, but a full strike would effectively freeze all activity on the Las Vegas Strip, key to the city’s economy. More than 40,000 members are working without a contract as the union seeks better pay, benefits and working conditions in negotiations with top casino companies including, MGM International, Wynn and Caesars Entertainment.
