Las Vegas is often known as the city that never sleeps—a bustling hub for tourism, entertainment, and the hospitality industry. For decades, millions of visitors have flocked to its world-famous Strip, which is home to some of the most iconic casinos and resorts in the world. Behind the glamour of the casinos, shows, and luxury hotels are tens of thousands of workers who keep this entertainment engine running smoothly. Now, a historic labor agreement is set to reshape the lives of over 4,000 of these workers, making it a watershed moment for both the employees and the employers involved.
The Tentative Agreement: A Milestone After a Year of Negotiations
In an announcement that marks the culmination of a year-long negotiation process, the Culinary Workers Union and the management of the Venetian and Palazzo resorts have reached a tentative agreement. This contract, if ratified, will be the first union contract for hospitality workers at these two resorts in their 25 years of operation. Over 4,000 hotel and casino workers will be covered by the agreement, and the significance of this deal stretches far beyond the walls of the Venetian and Palazzo.
The Culinary Workers Union is a powerhouse in Las Vegas, representing approximately 60,000 hospitality workers across the city. For decades, the union has fought for fair wages, better working conditions, and benefits for its members. Securing a contract at the Venetian and Palazzo is seen as a major victory, as these two iconic resorts have been non-unionized since their opening in the late 1990s.
Ted Pappageorge, the Culinary Workers Union’s secretary-treasurer, emphasized the importance of the agreement. In a joint statement with Venetian CEO Patrick Nichols, Pappageorge highlighted that this was not just a victory for the current workers but an opportunity to create a “legacy of fairness and dignity for working families in Las Vegas.”
Why This Agreement is Significant: Breaking 25 Years of Non-Unionized Operation
This tentative agreement is notable because the Venetian and Palazzo have operated for 25 years without a union contract. The two resorts are key players on the Las Vegas Strip, attracting millions of visitors annually. Given their prominence, the move to unionize is likely to send ripples through the entire Las Vegas hospitality industry.
Historically, unionization efforts in Las Vegas have faced a range of challenges. In the past, some resorts have resisted unionization, citing concerns about increased costs and operational difficulties. However, as worker demands for fair wages and benefits have grown—particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic—the landscape of labor relations has begun to shift. The Venetian-Palazzo agreement is a reflection of these changing dynamics.
One key reason this deal is historic is that it signals a broader trend in the Las Vegas hospitality industry. The successful negotiation at these two prominent resorts may serve as an example for other non-unionized resorts along the Strip. Unionization in the hospitality sector has typically focused on major casino-hotels like Caesars Palace, MGM Resorts, and the Bellagio, all of which have long-standing relationships with unions. With the Venetian and Palazzo joining this list, the path toward widespread unionization on the Strip appears more achievable.
The Broader Impact on Las Vegas’ Hospitality Industry
This agreement comes at a crucial time for Las Vegas’ hospitality industry. After facing significant challenges during the pandemic, the city is bouncing back with increased tourism and a surge in casino revenues. However, while the Strip’s economy has recovered, many workers have been pushing for better wages and benefits, arguing that they have not seen their fair share of the industry’s rebound.
By securing a union contract for over 4,000 workers at the Venetian and Palazzo, the Culinary Workers Union is poised to strengthen its foothold in the city’s hospitality sector. This deal is likely to inspire other resorts to follow suit, especially those that are non-unionized. The Venetian and Palazzo are both owned by the private equity firm Apollo Global Management, which may have played a role in shaping the resort’s willingness to negotiate with the union. As more private equity firms invest in the hospitality industry, this agreement could set a precedent for how labor relations are managed moving forward.
Key Stakeholders: The Role of Ted Pappageorge and Patrick Nichols
The roles of key individuals in this negotiation process cannot be understated. On one side, Ted Pappageorge has been a central figure in leading the Culinary Workers Union’s efforts to secure better conditions for hospitality workers in Las Vegas. Known for his tenacity and commitment to his union’s members, Pappageorge has been involved in multiple high-stakes negotiations in the city. His leadership has been critical in achieving this tentative agreement, as he emphasized the broader impact this deal will have not only on the workers but on future generations of Las Vegas hospitality employees.
On the management side, Venetian CEO Patrick Nichols has also played a pivotal role. Representing the resorts’ interests, Nichols worked to ensure that the agreement met the needs of both the workers and the company. In a joint statement with Pappageorge, Nichols expressed a shared vision for building a “legacy of fairness and dignity,” underscoring the resort’s commitment to fostering a positive work environment. This spirit of collaboration between labor and management has been essential in reaching a deal after a lengthy negotiation process.
Wage Increases
The union has traditionally pushed for raises that reflect the rising cost of living in Las Vegas. In recent years, the city has seen increasing housing costs, making wage increases a priority for many workers.
Improved Healthcare
Access to affordable healthcare is a key issue for many hospitality workers. The Culinary Workers Union has successfully negotiated healthcare benefits in previous contracts, and this agreement is expected to include provisions for comprehensive healthcare coverage.
Job Security
Job security has become a central issue in the wake of the pandemic, which saw significant layoffs in the hospitality industry. The agreement is likely to include protections for workers against sudden layoffs and changes to job roles.
Workplace Safety
With the lingering effects of the pandemic, workplace safety remains a top concern for hospitality workers. This contract may include provisions for improving safety protocols in hotels and casinos.
Pensions and Retirement Benefits
Ensuring long-term financial security for workers is another priority. The union typically negotiates pension plans that provide for a stable retirement.
A Long Year of Negotiations: Key Challenges and Milestones
The road to this tentative agreement was not easy. Negotiations began over a year ago, with both sides facing challenges. The Venetian and Palazzo management were likely concerned about the financial implications of meeting the union’s demands, while the union had to balance the immediate needs of workers with long-term goals for the future.
Despite these challenges, both sides remained committed to reaching an agreement. The fact that a deal was reached after a year of negotiations speaks to the persistence and dedication of both the union and the resort’s management.
What’s Next? The Upcoming Ratification Vote
The next major step in this process is the ratification vote, where workers will decide whether to approve the contract. If ratified, this agreement will officially go into effect, cementing the union’s presence at the Venetian and Palazzo for the first time. The vote is expected to take place soon, and the outcome will determine the future of labor relations at these two resorts.
Should the contract be ratified, it could pave the way for further unionization efforts across the Strip. Other non-unionized resorts may see this as a sign that negotiating with unions is a viable option, particularly if the Venetian and Palazzo continue to thrive under the new contract.
Building a Legacy of Fairness and Dignity
At its core, this agreement is about more than just wages and benefits. It represents a broader movement toward creating a more equitable and fair work environment for hospitality workers in Las Vegas. The comment made by Ted Pappageorge about building a “legacy of fairness and dignity” speaks to the long-term impact that this agreement could have—not only on the workers at the Venetian and Palazzo but on the entire city of Las Vegas.
As one of the largest hospitality hubs in the world, Las Vegas relies heavily on its workers to deliver the world-class service that visitors expect. This agreement is a recognition of the hard work and dedication of those workers, and it sets the stage for a new era of labor relations in the city.
The tentative agreement between the Culinary Workers Union and the Venetian and Palazzo resorts marks a turning point in the labor landscape of Las Vegas. For the first time in 25 years, workers at these two iconic resorts will have the opportunity to work under a union contract that provides them with better wages, benefits, and job security. This deal is a victory not only for the workers involved but for the broader labor movement in Las Vegas, as it sets the stage for future unionization efforts across the city.
As the ratification vote approaches, all eyes will be on the Venetian and Palazzo to see if this agreement will be approved and implemented. If it is, the future of Las Vegas’ hospitality industry could be forever changed, with fairness and dignity becoming cornerstones of the city’s labor relations.