LAS VEGAS – The powerful casino unions in Las Vegas are gearing up for another showdown with President Donald Trump as they prepare to negotiate new contracts with several major resorts on the famous Strip.
The Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and the Bartenders Union Local 165, which represent tens of thousands of casino workers in Nevada, have a long history of going head-to-head with Trump when it comes to labor disputes. The unions famously clashed with Trump during his time as a casino owner in Atlantic City, and now they are gearing up for another battle with the president-turned-politician.
The unions are negotiating contracts with several major casino operators, including MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, Wynn Resorts, and Las Vegas Sands Corp. The contracts cover a wide range of workers, including housekeepers, servers, bartenders, and other hospitality staff.
Union leaders have made it clear that they will not back down in their demands for fair wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions for their members. They have also vowed to stand up against any attempts by the Trump administration to roll back labor protections or weaken union rights.
“We are ready to take on Trump again if we have to,” said Geoconda Argüello-Kline, Secretary-Treasurer of the Culinary Workers Union. “We will not let him or anyone else chip away at the hard-fought gains that workers have made over the years.”
The unions are also mobilizing their members to be prepared for possible strikes or other forms of protest if negotiations with the casino operators break down. They have already held training sessions and informational meetings to educate workers about their rights and options in the event of a labor dispute.
“We are stronger together, and we will not be intimidated by anyone, not even the president,” said Argüello-Kline. “We will fight for what is fair and just, and we will not rest until we achieve our goals.”
The negotiations are expected to be contentious, as the unions and the casino operators have divergent views on key issues such as wages, healthcare, and job security. But the unions remain confident that they can reach a fair agreement that benefits their members and upholds their rights as workers.
“We are prepared for a tough fight, but we are also hopeful that we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement with the casino operators,” said Argüello-Kline. “We are ready to do whatever it takes to ensure that our members are treated with dignity and respect.”
As the negotiations get underway, all eyes will be on Las Vegas as the unions and the casino operators square off once again. The outcome of these talks could have far-reaching implications not only for the workers and their families, but also for the future of labor relations in the city and beyond.
