Las Vegas casino unions are gearing up for another battle with President Trump as tensions rise over labor disputes and working conditions in the city’s famed casinos. The Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165, which represent over 60,000 workers in Las Vegas, have been at odds with the Trump administration since he took office in 2017.
The unions are pushing for better wages, improved health and safety standards, and protection for immigrant workers, many of whom make up a significant portion of the hospitality industry in Las Vegas. They have also called on Trump to rescind his executive orders targeting union rights and immigration, which they say have had a negative impact on their members.
In a statement released earlier this week, Geoconda Argüello-Kline, Secretary-Treasurer of the Culinary Union, said, “President Trump’s anti-worker policies have hurt our members and their families. We will not back down until we secure fair wages, safe working conditions, and protection for all workers – regardless of their immigration status.”
The unions have been ramping up their efforts to mobilize workers and build public support for their cause. They have held rallies, launched social media campaigns, and met with elected officials to press their demands. They have also been in talks with casino management to negotiate new contracts that address their concerns.
The unions have a history of successfully taking on powerful interests in Las Vegas. In 2018, they went on a strike against several major casino operators, including Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts, that lasted for over two months. The strike resulted in improved wages and benefits for workers and set a precedent for labor activism in the city.
This latest showdown with Trump comes at a time when tensions are high in the U.S. over issues of economic inequality and workers’ rights. The outcome of this battle could have far-reaching implications for the labor movement and the future of workers in Las Vegas and beyond. The unions are determined to fight for their members and hold the administration accountable for its actions. The eyes of the nation will be on Las Vegas as this conflict unfolds.
