Historically unprecedented unionization of all casinos on the iconic Las Vegas Strip
Historic Unionization of Las Vegas Strip Casinos
For the first time in history, every major casino on the Las Vegas Strip has unionized, marking a significant shift in labor relations in the city's hospitality industry. The milestone was reached in late 2024, with official announcements coming in mid-2025.
The turning point came with a change in ownership at the Venetian, a casino that had resisted unionization for its 25-year existence. Around the same time, the Fontainebleau, another casino that had long resisted unionization, also conceded to unionization.
The Culinary Workers Union, with its deep roots in Las Vegas (90 years), adaptability to the growing corporatization of the casino industry, and strong organizing and political mobilization capabilities, played a pivotal role in this historic event.
The union secured substantial benefits for workers, including 32% pay raises and improved working conditions. These benefits, combined with job protection provisions in many union agreements, have motivated and sustained support among hospitality workers.
With the union representing 60,000 workers on the Strip, it forms the largest labor union in Nevada, providing strong collective bargaining power and political influence. This breakthrough occurred despite a national decline in union membership and during a period of slower tourism, which threatened job stability.
Patrick Nichols, president and CEO of the Venetian, expressed optimism about the partnership with workers and the union, indicating a positive new era for labor relations on the Strip.
In addition to the Venetian and Fontainebleau, many other casinos on the Strip have now unionized. This means that employees at every casino now have the benefits of union contracts, including better pay, paid leave, pensions, and family health insurance.
Despite these positive developments, insiders predict that resorts in Las Vegas will begin to cut costs in response to the ongoing decline in tourism. However, the collective bargaining power of the Culinary Workers Union is expected to play a crucial role in protecting the jobs and hours of the workforce on the Strip.
[1] Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Venetian, Fontainebleau unionize, marking a first for Las Vegas Strip casinos," link [2] CNN Business, "Las Vegas Strip casinos unionize for the first time in history," link [3] Culinary Workers Union Local 226, "Culinary Union secures historic contracts for 60,000 workers on Las Vegas Strip," link [4] Bloomberg, "Venetian casino in Las Vegas unionizes after change in ownership," link [5] Associated Press, "Fontainebleau casino in Las Vegas unionizes following ownership change," link
- The historic unionization of Las Vegas Strip casinos reached a significant milestone with the Venetian and Fontainebleau,two long-standing resisters to unionization, finally conceding in late 2024, contributing to the shift in casino culture in Las Vegas.
- The Culinary Workers Union, with its deep roots in Las Vegas and strong organizing and political mobilization capabilities, played a pivotal role in the casino-and-gambling industry's transformation, securing substantial benefits for 60,000 workers on the Strip.
