Union, Las Vegas casino agree to deal

A union for casino-hotel workers said it has reached a tentative agreement with MGM Resorts International, covering nearly half of the 50,000 employees threatening to strike in Las Vegas.

The deal between MGM and the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 was announced by the union in a tweet late Saturday. A tentative accord between the labor union and the other big casino employer threatened by the job action, Caesars Entertainment, was reached Friday afternoon.

“BREAKING. We are pleased to announce that a tentative agreement has been reached with MGMResortsIntl ,” read the late-night announcement on Twitter. “The historic new 5-year contract covers approximately 24,000 workers at 10 casino resorts on the Las Vegas Strip.”

Union spokesman Bethany Khan confirmed Sunday that the tentative deal had been reached. MGM spokesman Mary Hynes deferred to the union for any further comment about the accord.

Some smaller casino operators have yet to reach agreements with the union and could still face the first citywide strike in more than 30 years.

The union says the main sticking points have been wages, workplace training and job security as casino-hotels turn to technology that can displace workers. Employees want contract language that would protect them if properties are sold, as well as an independent workload study for housekeepers.