As casinos prepare to reopen, the Culinary Union remains uneasy about worker safety

Earlier this week, the chain reaction that will wake the gaming industry from its virus-induced slumber began.

Gov. Steve Sisolak announced casinos could reopen June 4. Then the Nevada Gaming Control Board updated its health and safety policy, which outlines requirements aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19. Gaming companies quickly followed suit and unveiled which of their properties would be reopening along with some of the steps they’re taking to protect both workers and guests.

But the process hasn’t appeased the powerful Culinary Workers Union Local 226, which represents roughly 60,000 employees who work in casinos-resort properties as guest room attendants, cooks, porters, baristas, bartenders and cashiers, among other roles. Several thousand union members are expected to join a caravan on the Las Vegas Strip Friday evening to demand worker safety.

Union spokeswoman Bethany Khan said casino reopening plans submitted to the Gaming Control Board should be publicly available. (The regulatory agency says they’re deemed confidential by Nevada law, although gaming companies are free to share their plans if they desire.)

Read more: https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/as-casinos-prepare-to-reopen-the-culinary-union-remains-uneasy-about-worker-safety