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Casino Exec Criticizes Union Talks Coverage

LAS VEGAS - A top Strip executive believes the ongoing spate of news stories, including some that have run in the Review-Journal, have been devoid of context and full of union propaganda as news reporters have chosen to focus on stories of emotion over detail.

His sentiment ties in with a prevailing sentiment among some top Las Vegas gaming executives that Culinary Local 226 and Bartender's Local 165 are winning the battle for newsprint and the airwaves.

One key reason, some believe: It's difficult for well-paid executives to put a sympathetic face on their case when the union can haul out for the cameras telegenic, hourly workers who share compelling personal work stories while using limited English skills.

"In terms of the assertions going back and forth, the press is not as interested in trying to explain the dispute as they are going with the rhetoric. We don't get any real value out of the stories," said the executive, who requested anonymity.

As an example, he pointed to Monday's three-page contract proposal issued by MGM Mirage and Mandalay Resort Group to Culinary Local 226 and Bartender's Local 165.

The letter offered a $2.88 hourly increase per union member over five years with the bulk of the money going to maintain the Culinary's current health insurance plan, which sees employers foot the cost of premiums.

The executive argues that although the unions are seeking hourly increases of 65 to 75 cents per worker over two years, with the bulk of the money protecting the health care plan, he believes the companies' 57 cents an hour increase for five years is more than enough to ensure that workers will continue to pay no premiums.

He also notes that Culinary members, with their average hourly wage of $11.50, are paid better than their counterparts in other major U.S. cities when you factor in Las Vegas' cost of living.

And, he adds, despite the Culinary's claims to the contrary, Las Vegas housekeeper actually clean fewer hotel rooms each day than their big city counterparts.

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