Las Vegas strike could cost millions

Las Vegas casino operators are facing a US$10 million loss per day if the strike is set.

US.- Las Vegas casino operators are waiting for a final resolution by hotel and casino employees, as they have threatened a strike starting this Friday. According to gaming experts, the strike could cost two major casino operators (MGM and Caesars Entertainment) in the Nevada State’s city around US$10 million combined per day.

Last week workers decided to set a strike this week in order to demand a series of rights and new contracts with operators. Contracts of 50,000 unionised workers will expire on May 31st and the negotiations with individual casino operators haven’t made any progress for new terms. Officials said that they are seeking a wage increase as well as protection against the increasing use of technology at hotel-casinos. They also want to improve powers against sexual harassment.

Approximately 25,000 members of the Culinary Union who work at 34 different casino-resorts in Las Vegas cast ballots in two sessions. The negotiations revolve around the need to solidify new five-year contracts, and if the strike actually happens, it would mean losing workers with critical roles to making casinos run.

“Furthermore, one might assume a 10 per cent worsening of operating margins due to the use of less experienced and less skilled replacements… to keep the doors open, rooms cleaned, food cooked and cocktails served, not to mention other factors such as the disruptions to management staff’s regular work,” the union wrote.