Thousands of members of the hospitality union employed on the Las Vegas Strip have successfully negotiated a tentative agreement with the Venetian and Palazzo resorts. This marks the first contract for employees at this iconic Italian-themed complex, which has been a prominent establishment in Sin City for 25 years.
The Culinary Workers Union made the announcement on social media platform X, revealing that the deal was finalized at around 6:30 a.m. after a year of negotiations. The agreement will benefit more than 4,000 hotel and casino workers, including housekeepers, cocktail servers, bartenders, and porters.
A housekeeper from the Venetian expressed in a shared video that the pending contract showcases the power of speaking up and having a supportive group. She described the agreement as a historic event that they can take pride in as it marks the first contract for Venetian employees.
The deal is subject to ratification by the union members. Bethany Khan, a representative of the union, mentioned that it aligns with the significant victories achieved in recent contracts for 40,000 hospitality workers at 18 Strip properties owned or operated by major casino companies such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts.
These recent contract wins included a 32% salary increase over five years, reduced workload for housekeeping staff, and enhanced job stability amidst technological advancements like artificial intelligence. The union stated that the wage increase would lead to an average hourly wage of $35 by the end of the contracts, compared to the previous $26 with benefits.
The Culinary Union described these agreements as the “best contracts ever,” resolving prolonged labor disputes that had raised the possibility of a significant strike on the Strip, coinciding with the launch of the new Formula One racetrack in the city.
Patrick Nichols, the President and CEO of Venetian, expressed anticipation for the workers to approve the contract. Nichols emphasized the resort’s longstanding commitment to respecting its team members and prioritizing their needs in decision-making processes.
The Venetian, inaugurated in 1999 alongside the Palazzo in 2007, has become a distinct Sin City landmark with its gondolas cruising through canals outdoors along Las Vegas Boulevard and within an indoor plaza featuring a variety of shops and dining venues.
Currently, the union is focusing on securing five-year contracts for employees at the expansive Sphere venue and Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the newest megaresort on the Strip. Negotiations are also ongoing for workers at Virgin Hotels, located just off the Strip.
