Imagine my surprise when I went outside at 7:30 this morning and found protesters handing out fliers across the street. It turns out they were from Culinary 226, the most powerful union in Vegas. I live across the street from a side entrance to Green Valley Ranch. But they were also handing out fliers out front of the resort.

 

Most people think of Vegas as a union town, and except for the Venetian and Palazzo, the Strip is mostly union. Many of the downtown properties are union as well. But a surprising number of the off-Strip properties, even ones popular with tourists, such as the Palms and Hard Rock, are not union properties. I asked a Culinary 226 representative once why the union did not make a bigger stink about those two resorts, and I was told candidly that their focus was on Station Casinos.

 

Station Casinos is not a household name. But the company owns a string of casinos popular with locals and, even in the economic downtime, Station has more new properties on the way. The properties once known as being havens for those on budgets now have two crown jewels with the openings of Green Valley Ranch and Red Rock Resort. Both of these properties moved the company a step up in luxury and attract national-level entertainment, an affluent clientele and the occasional celebrity.

 

Since I live across the street, I happened to eat at the buffet at Green Valley Ranch last night. It was about $20. We are far from the all-you-can-eat-for-under-$3 Vegas here. High-end suites in Green Valley Ranch include one with a pool table and another with a private pool. There is a spa on the property.

 

Anyway, yesterday Culinary 226 cut a five-year deal with the bankrupt Tropicana, the last holdout of the Strip resorts they represent. This morning protesters are outside Green Valley Ranch. I wonder what Culinary 226 is going to make the next project?

 

 

I tried to talk to one of the protesters, but she could not speak English and pointed to the flier. The flier proclaims the merits of the Culinary health plan where workers need contribute nothing. Interestingly, the sticking point in the contract with Tropicana was said to be this health plan that the union considers non-negotiable and inviolable. The flier concludes in all capitals: "STATION WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES DESERVE THE SAME HEALTH PLAN!"

There are phone numbers for more information. I called both numbers on the flier but they went to voicemail. I guess only the lowly folks -- the ones low enough for flier duty -- work that early in the morning, even in the union's hierarchy.

Photo credit: Sarah Gerke