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Union Warns Travel Agents of Possible Casino Strike3 May 2002LAS VEGAS --As reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal: "Culinary Local 226 is increasing the pressure on gaming executives by mailing warnings to 50,000 travel agents throughout the country of a possible summertime strike at Las Vegas hotel-casinos. ”Culinary organizers said they sent the mailings to warn travelers of a potential strike at Strip hotels after union contracts expire May 31 at an estimated 40 Las Vegas-area gaming properties. ”`We can't just wait until May 31st to let people know what's going on here,’ Culinary Staff Director D. Taylor said Thursday. ”…MGM Mirage spokesman Alan Feldman said a reduction of travel to the desert city could hurt all Las Vegans at a time when the region's tourism industry continues to rebound from its post-Sept. 11 decline. ”…Mandalay Resort Group Vice President Mike Sloan said the mailing was an attempt to coerce the casino industry. ”…Protection of the union's health-care benefits has been cited by union officials as their top negotiating priority, with housekeeper workload issues, wages and increased vacation time for tip workers. ”…The local already has scheduled a May 16 strike authorization vote. If approved, the vote would authorize union negotiators to call for a strike beginning June 1. ”…Labor expert Brigitte Madrian, associate professor of economics at the University of Chicago's Graduate School of Business, said the union tactic is part of a larger nationwide trend. ”…She said the Culinary hopes the mailings will pressure the gaming properties to settle quickly, and to make concessions…” |