Wynn Resorts has reached a deal with the Culinary Workers Union three hours before a union-declared deadline to avoid strike action.
The deal was agreed at 2 am PT, three hours before the 5 am deadline the CWU had set, meaning that workers have secured a new contract and will avoid going on strike.
Following negotiations that had taken place for over seven months, the union claims it has secured several terms including the largest wage increases ever negotiated in Culinary Union’s history, workload reductions for guest room attendants, mandated daily room cleaning, increased safety protections for workers on-the-job, expanded technology contract language, extended recall rights, and the right for unionized workers to support non-union restaurant workers seeking to unionize by respecting their picket lines.
“After seven months of negotiations, we are proud to say that this is the best contract and economic package we have ever won for in our 88-year history,” said Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer for the Culinary Union.
“With this new union contract, hospitality workers will be able to provide for their families and thrive in Las Vegas and we applaud Wynn Resorts for agreeing to a great union contract which will ensure workers are protected with the best health care benefits, highest wage increases ever, and union job security. Wynn Resorts has long been a tremendous partner and we are proud to see that workers will enjoy in the success they have helped build. Congratulations to Wynn Resorts workers on your new tentative agreement.”
The deal with Wynn comes after the CWU reached a similar deal with both Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts after lengthy negotiations turned into a dispute which resulted in the union threatening strike action.
Workers felt they had been underpaid and overworked, particularly throughout the pandemic and since then.
Union members voted 95% in favor of authorizing strike action but leadership did not call strikes in order to negotiate with the operators in good faith.
Strike action would have taken place just a week before the Las Vegas Formula One Grand Prix takes place but all three casino operators, which account for 18 Strip properties, have now reached an agreement with their workers.
“We strongly believe that only the most talented and empowered employees, working in an environment in which they feel valued and well compensated, can deliver our signature Wynn and Encore guest experiences,” said Michael Weaver, Spokesperson for Wynn Las Vegas. “Therefore, we are very pleased that we were able to reach an agreement with Culinary Workers Union Local 226 which fulfills our shared goal of providing outstanding benefits and overall compensation to our employees in a work environment that is second to none.
“Wynn has historically enjoyed a relationship with Unite Here that is based on mutual respect and a shared interest in doing the best we can for those most important to us – our employees. This year has been no exception. We look forward to ratification of our agreement soon, and to providing the legendary service for which our employees are known to the thousands of race fans about to join us.”
