MGM Resorts International CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle said in a statement shared with Forbes the company is “pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that averts a strike,” and that gives union employees “a well-earned boost to pay and benefits and reduces workloads.” Wynn Resorts has “had productive bargaining sessions” with the union that are continuing today, Michael Weaver, chief communications and brand officer for Wynn Resorts, said in a statement shared with Forbes. The Culinary Workers Union had been unsuccessful in negotiations with the three biggest casino chains since April, and set a strike deadline a week ago for November 10. Before the deal, union members at the casinos earned around $26 an hour and had health insurance, according to the Associated Press. Meanwhile, three casino giants-MGM, Caesars and Wynn-operate many of the biggest casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.
The Culinary Workers Union and Bartenders Union represent around 53,000 workers in Las Vegas, according to Reuters.
The tentative deals with Caesars and MGM were reached just days before the Friday strike deadline, which was set for five days before the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend starts on November 15.
