For immediate release
February 19, 2014
Union Members Vote Whether to End Contract Extensions
Las Vegas, NV – Thousands of casino workers are in contract negotiations on the Strip and Downtown. The union agreements expired on June 1, 2013 and until now, members have been working under an extension of the previous contract. Tomorrow, workers will vote on whether or not to end the extensions and terminate agreements that prevent economic action against employers.
“I’m going to vote to end the extension. It’s a vote for my family and my future. This is about good healthcare, decent wages, and a secure job – all the things that make Las Vegas a good place to work. I won’t stop until what I’ve fought for is protected,” said Silvia Buenrostro, a housekeeper at the Stratosphere.
The union recently settled contracts with MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment. Together, those contracts cover approximately 35,000 workers. The remaining unsettled contracts cover close to 10,000. The settled agreements secure benefits and introduce language designed to bring laid-off workers back to their jobs.
Should members vote to remove the extensions, negotiations will still continue. Without the extension in place, workers would have the right to picket, boycott, and even strike the casino.
Union members from settled properties will vote on whether or not to support the unsettled properties as they continue in negotiations. Historically, workers have united and stood in solidarity against employers who did not want to honor the Las Vegas standard. Membership has already overwhelmingly voted to raise dues in the event of a strike.
John Walter, a mastercook at Mandalay Bay said, “We are one union. We’ll stand together until every worker has a contract that protects what we have fought for.”