Unions plan last-ditch talks to avert downtown strike

In a last-ditch effort to avert a planned Sunday walkout by downtown Las Vegas hotel workers, two unions have scheduled contract talks with several property representatives to try and reach a new agreement.

In a statement, Culinary Workers Local 226 and Bartenders Local 165 said it would meet starting Monday with Fremont, Main Street Station, El Cortez, The D Las Vegas, Four Queens, Binion’s, The Plaza, and Las Vegas Club.

The Golden Gate, which is part owned by D Las Vegas owners Derek Stevens, is the only unsettled casino that hasn’t scheduled a meeting.

Workers at the Golden Nugget Las Vegas ratified a new 5-year contract on May 1. Union leaders hope the Golden Nugget deal can be a model for other contracts.

“This is a fair settlement and the rest of the downtown employers need to follow the Golden Nugget’s lead to ensure that their workers have an opportunity to provide for their families,” Culinary Secretary-Treasurer Geoconda Arguello-Kline said in a statement.

Union members voted on March 27 to authorize a strike. The union’s leadership has called for a strike beginning Sunday against downtown casinos that haven’t reached new contract agreements.