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“Strike Averted! MGM Resorts Agrees to Historic Labor Deal with Las Vegas Unions

MGM Resorts International has successfully reached a labor deal with Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartender Union Local 165, averting a strike in Las Vegas. The five-year agreement for 50,000 hospitality workers at 10 MGM resort properties seeks to provide better job security, higher wages, and a variety of healthcare and retirement benefits. The agreement comes after a series of tense negotiations, with very little progress at first. In the months leading up to the agreement, union members staged protests to draw attention to their cause. The talks eventually broke through and a tentative agreement was reached. The agreement grants workers a 4% wage increase each year for five years, improved job security for housekeepers, and encourages the use of union subcontractors. Additionally, the agreement strengthens job security for certain positions, improved vacation bonuses, and increases dental care and vision coverage. MGM CEO and President Jim Murren said in a statement, “We are pleased to have reached a long-term agreement with both unions. Our employees are the foundation of our business and the world-class service and great experiences our guests have come to expect from our resorts.” The agreement, passed by 74% of union members, is set to increase the Total Rewards wage scale in 2020 to $15 per hour for most union members, with a $45,000+ wage potential based on vacation bonuses and attendance incentives. The agreement will also improve the job security boutique housekeepers who will be shifted from part-time to full-time status. The reportedly contentious negotiations between MGM Resorts International and the two unions underscores the importance of workers’ issues being addressed. It is encouraging to see such a sizable agreement between both sides that ultimately benefits workers and helps ensure Las Vegas stays a premier tourist and entertainment destination for years to come.