LAS VEGAS (AP) - Susana Pacheco's journey began 16 years ago when she took a housekeeping job at the Venetian casino on the Las Vegas Strip, hoping to secure a stable future for her and her young daughter. However, Pacheco faced numerous challenges including exhaustion, financial strain, and inadequate health insurance, leading to a cycle of low wages and limited support. Her situation shifted dramatically when the Venetian finally opened its doors to labor organization, allowing union representation.
For 25 years, the Venetian had resisted unionization efforts by the Culinary Workers Union, one of the last casinos on the Strip to do so. However, following a change in ownership and significant labor negotiations, a historic deal was finalized late last year, marking a pivotal moment in which all major casinos on the Strip became unionized for the first time in the Culinary Union's 90-year history. This achievement comes at a time when union membership is declining nationally, highlighting the unique success of the Culinary Union, which represents about 60,000 members, primarily in Las Vegas.
Patrick Nichols, president and CEO of the Venetian, expressed optimism regarding the new partnership, stating, "Together, we've shown that change can be a positive force, and I'm confident that this partnership will continue to benefit us all in the years to come." Pacheco noted that the new labor contract has significantly improved her quality of life, as she now has more manageable work hours and guaranteed days off, allowing her to spend more time with her children.
Despite the Culinary Union's local success, union membership across the United States is at an all-time low, having dropped to about 10% of U.S. workers in 2024, down from 20% in 1983, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Political resistance to unions has been prevalent, with former President Donald Trump signing an executive order aimed at curtailing collective bargaining for certain federal employees, and various states implementing "right to work" laws that weaken union power.
Ruben Garcia, a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, credits the Culinary Union’s longevity to its strong local roots and a history of navigating complex relationships with the powerful casino industry. The consolidation of casinos has created a landscape where a few significant companies, such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts, dominate, presenting both challenges and opportunities for union organization.
In 2023, the union's strength was tested as the threat of a strike involving 35,000 hospitality workers loomed. A last-minute deal with Caesars averted the situation and led to successful negotiations with other major properties along the Strip, securing a significant 32% pay increase over the duration of the five-year contract. By the end of this agreement, unionized casino workers will receive an average of $35 per hour, inclusive of benefits.
The Culinary Union also extends its influence beyond negotiations by mobilizing its members for political campaigns, making its endorsements highly sought after, particularly among Democratic candidates seeking to win working-class votes. Nevertheless, challenges persist, with some workers voicing their objections to union practices. For instance, two food service workers filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging that dues were collected without their consent. However, the majority of workers, around 95% to 98%, remain committed to union membership.
Longtime union members, like Bellagio food server Paul Anthony, share a contrasting view, celebrating the benefits of union membership, including free family health insurance, reliable pay raises, job security, and pensions. He acknowledges the industry’s lack of job longevity but has found stability within the union-supported framework.
Ted Pappageorge, the Culinary Union's secretary-treasurer, summarized their mission as striving to make Las Vegas a "union town," cementing their commitment to workers' rights and well-being in the hospitality sector.
