In the dynamic world of labor relations, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Recently, Las Vegas, a city known for its vibrant nightlife and gaming industry, has seen a significant shift in its labor landscape. The Venetian and Palazzo resorts, two of the last non-union properties on the Strip, have entered into a “card check neutrality” agreement, opening the door to potential unionization.
This development marks a significant change from the past when Sheldon Adelson, the late owner of the properties, adopted a robust anti-union stance, investing heavily in litigation and media campaigns to maintain a non-union environment. The sale of the properties to Apollo Global Management in 2022 has ushered in a new era, with the new owners choosing to remain neutral as workers discuss potential union representation.
The announcement of the neutrality deal was described as “…a jaw-dropping moment…” for many longtime gaming industry observers that signals the end of an era on the Las Vegas Strip.
While labor supporters see this development as a victory for the Culinary Union, Bartenders Local 165, Operating Engineers Local 501, and Teamsters Local 986, it should remind management teams of the importance of proactive labor relations strategies. In this case, the decades-long persistence of the unions underscores the need for effective communication and engagement with employees to understand their concerns and address them proactively.
Unionization efforts often stem from employee dissatisfaction with working conditions, wages, and schedules. By addressing these issues proactively, companies can improve employee satisfaction and potentially reduce the appeal of unionization.
In another development, a Starbucks location in North Las Vegas has voted to unionize, becoming the third Starbucks location in Nevada to do so. This is part of a broader trend of increasing unionization across the country, with more than 8,000 Starbucks baristas organizing as part of a nationwide campaign and over 330 stores successfully unionizing since late 2021.
The Culinary Union, which is separate from Starbucks Workers United, also represents Starbucks workers at Harry Reid International Airport and several casino resorts.
As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how these developments shape the labor landscape in Las Vegas and beyond.
