Labor groups reach agreement with Venetian Las Vegas, opening path for workers to explore unionization

Venetian Las Vegas has reached an agreement with several labor groups that will allow non-gaming employees at the resort to consider unionization. The Culinary Union, along with the Teamsters and Operating Engineers, announced a "card check neutrality" agreement on Tuesday, indicating that Venetian/Palazzo management will remain neutral during discussions about potential union representation.

The Venetian Resort and The Palazzo, both managed by Apollo Global Management, are the only two non-union casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. The properties never entered a collective bargaining agreement with the previous owners, Las Vegas Sands Corp. Apollo, in partnership with casino landlord VICI Properties, then acquired the two resorts and an adjacent convention center for $6.25 billion in February 2022.

“Our unions have historically worked with Apollo Global Management in Las Vegas and in other major metropolitan areas across the United States and we are hopeful as thousands of workers, employed at the only two non-union casinos remaining on the Las Vegas Strip, will have the opportunity to choose whether to unionize while management remains neutral and respects their choice,” the unions said in a statement.

This agreement marks a significant development, as employees will now have the opportunity to consider unionization without management taking a position. The Culinary Union said it will continue to engage in conversations with workers at the resort to explore their interests and gather support. 

Gladys Henderson, a floor attendant at The Venetian, expressed her optimism about the agreement in a statement: "I'm really excited that the Venetian/Palazzo is respecting my choice and remaining neutral as my coworkers and I choose whether to unionize."