For the first time ever, workers union Teamsters Local 986 has been formally recognized by The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. The union announced in June that it is now the exclusive bargaining agent for the resort’s valet agents and traffic control officers.
Through the unionization, an estimated 100 new members were welcomed by Local 986. Negotiations on their first union contract are already underway. “Congratulations to these workers on being the first group of Venetian workers to secure union representation,” says Chris Griswold, vice president at-large for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and secretary-treasurer of Local 986, in a prepared statement.
Jason Carrodine, valet agent for the resort, says the staff at The Venetian are thrilled to become members of Teamsters Local 986. “We are looking forward to negotiating a strong contract that provides us with written guarantees to ensure that our needs are being met here at The Venetian. This has been a long time coming,” he adds in a prepared statement.
In Las Vegas—the American city with the most hotel rooms—95% of hotels and casinos were unionized as of 2020, according to PBS. The Venetian workers join more than 5,000 casino workers across the nation already represented by Teamsters. In total, Teamsters Local 986 represents 18,500 workers throughout the West, Hawaii, Guam, and Saipan.
The Venetian, which features 7,100 suites and employs thousands of people, is home to about 350 meeting and event spaces. These adaptable, up-to-date spaces range in size from 342 to 1,300 square feet. The hotel also boasts 12 junior and two extra-large ballrooms, and five expo halls ranging from 100,600 to 380,000 square feet. From trade shows to conventions to intimate meetings, The Venetian offers a space for any event, catering options, and dozens of entertainment opportunities.
