Wynn Resorts Reaches Last-Minute Deal with Unions to Avoid Strike
Las Vegas, NV – In a last-minute agreement, Wynn Resorts has reached a deal with unions just hours before a strike deadline. The deal, once ratified, is expected to provide outstanding benefits and overall compensation to employees.
The Culinary Workers Union Local 226, representing thousands of hotel and casino workers, claims that this negotiated wage increase is the largest in their 88-year history. The agreement comes as a relief for the union and its members, who were prepared to go on strike if an agreement was not reached.
The strike threatened to disrupt major events in Las Vegas, such as the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix. The potential disruption of these events could have had severe consequences for the city’s economy, which is still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nevada, currently with the highest unemployment rate in the nation at 5.4 percent, has struggled to bounce back since the closure of the famous Las Vegas Strip. Hotel occupancy rates in Las Vegas remain lower than pre-pandemic levels, with September numbers at around 82 percent compared to 88 percent in 2019.
The effects of the pandemic on the hospitality industry can also be seen in the overall decrease in the number of hospitality workers in Las Vegas. Union officials estimate that there are approximately 20 percent fewer workers in the city compared to before the pandemic.
Despite these challenges, there have been some positive signs of economic growth in Las Vegas. Tax revenue has actually increased by 35 percent since before the pandemic, indicating a potential economic boost for the city.
Looking ahead, Las Vegas is set to host several major events in the coming months, including the National Finals Rodeo in December and the Super Bowl in February. These events are expected to bring much-needed tourism and revenue to the city.
The agreement between Wynn Resorts and the unions is not only a win for employees but also for the overall economy of Las Vegas. With the upcoming events and potential increase in tourism, the city is hopeful for a strong recovery in the near future.
