Thousands of members of two major Las Vegas casino workers unions can breathe at least a mild sigh of relief, as they have negotiated a deal with MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment to protect their health benefits for another half a year. The gigantic gaming firms have agreed to extend the family health benefits of Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165 members until March 1, 2021, even if they are furloughed.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put an enormous strain on the entire United States, but casino workers, in particular, have felt the hurt. Nevada casinos closed in mid-March, leaving virtually every employee out of work for months. They were finally permitted to reopen on June 4, though some casinos still have yet to open back up.
Even now, those casinos that have reopened are not permitted to operate at full capacity. In addition, many of their amenities and services remain closed, limiting opportunities for employees to return to work.
On Friday, the same day that the union deal was announced, MGM announced that 18,000 employees across the United States were being laid off. The Borgata in Atlantic City, owned by MGM, followed that up by saying that number consisted of nearly 2,300 of its workers.
The agreement the unions brokered with MGM and Caesars cover 24,000 MGM employees and 12,000 Caesars employees. They hope to negotiate similar agreements with the other Las Vegas casinos.
In addition to extended health benefits, union members who do return to their jobs will retain seniority benefits. Union members who are laid off can also be recalled for up to two years to their same jobs with seniority.
On top of the benefits, the unions also got MGM and Caesars to commit to better pandemic protections for their workers. If employees are required to quarantine, they get ten paid days off and as many as six weeks unpaid leave, if needed. The casinos cannot take disciplinary action against anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms.
Caesars CEO Tom Reeg said the pact is “an important step in continuing to ensure our team members and their families are protected during these unpredictable times.”
MGM Resorts CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle added that “Our industry and communities are facing unprecedented challenges.”
Geoconda Argüello-Kline, the secretary-treasurer for the culinary union, praised the deal in a press statement:
Behind every worker is a family, and we are proud to have partnered with MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment during this difficult time to ensure workers are protected during this pandemic and are not left behind when the economy recovers. These new historic agreements mean workers will have their family health benefits in place until next year, even if they are currently laid off, and that workers will be able to return to their jobs as business recovers with full seniority rights.