Union of Culinary Workers in Las Vegas Prepares for Demonstrations at Caesars and MGM Resorts in the Coming Week
Culinary Workers Union Local 226 Plans Protests in Las Vegas
Culinary Workers Union Local 226, a union with a rich history of strikes, has announced plans for protests outside eight casino resorts in Las Vegas on Thursday, Oct. 12. The union, which represents approximately 40,000 workers, is currently working under expired contracts.
The protests will take place in two-hour "informational" picket lines at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., with locations including Park MGM, Paris Las Vegas, and The Linq. Workers are planning to participate in these demonstrations before or after their work shifts. Later, picketers will move to the sidewalks in front of Harrah's, Flamingo, Horseshoe, Planet Hollywood, and New York-New York.
The union's primary focus is on MGM and Caesars properties due to the demand for revised no-strike clauses. The proposed changes include substantial wage and benefit increases, augmented safety protocols and technology integration, and a reduction in workload for guest room attendants.
Negotiations are ongoing between Culinary Local 226 and MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts. However, Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer of the union, expressed disappointment with the progress of negotiations. In a show of solidarity, an overwhelming 95% of Las Vegas restaurant and hotel workers have voted in favor of authorizing a strike.
It's important to note that as of mid-2025, there is no current strike by Culinary Workers Union Local 226 against the mentioned casino companies. The longest strike in decades by Las Vegas hotel culinary workers ended with an agreement reached in January 2025. Since then, the union has been involved in ongoing negotiations and advocacy related to worker rights and legislation, such as supporting policies on taxation of tips and wage standards.
The union does not have the same demand for revised no-strike clauses with Wynn Resorts. This could indicate a more positive negotiating environment with that company compared to MGM and Caesars.
The union has made a public appeal for solidarity, urging individuals not to patronize casino resorts during an active picket line. This action is reminiscent of the union's historical precedent for strikes, with a significant strike happening in 1984 that lasted 67 days, involving over 17,000 union workers in conjunction with three other unions, as the union characterized it as "one of the largest strikes in Las Vegas history."
The current situation remains fluid, and it is essential to monitor developments closely. The union has the capacity to call for a strike at any time, affecting 18 casino properties across the Las Vegas Strip. Both the union and the casino companies are encouraged to continue their negotiations in good faith to reach a mutually beneficial agreement that respects the rights and working conditions of the workers.
In light of the ongoing negotiations between Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts, protestors will picket outside casino-culture establishments such as Park MGM, Paris Las Vegas, The Linq, and others, seeking revisions to no-strike clauses and improved work conditions. If necessary, these demonstrations could potentially expand into a full-scale strike, echoing the significant casino-and-gambling industry impact of the 67-day strike that occurred in 1984.
