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The Culinary Union picketing

Discussion in 'Downtown Hotels' started by theshaah, Apr 12, 2014.

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  1. theshaah

    theshaah High-Roller

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    For the first time since I've moved to Las Vegas over a month ago I had the time to get out and do a coupon run with my new ACG and LVA books. Picked up the ACG when I got here a month ago and picked up the LVA a couple of days ago while out and about on my scooter. Got the chance to talk to Anthony Curtis for a few minutes. Which was nice. He said he remembered meeting me a long long time ago when Jean Scott had her Frugal 2 signing at The Palms.

    Anyway I took my book downtown today to redeem the Fremont Street Casino coupons and lo and behold as I was coming back from redeeming all the coupons the pickers had set up shop in front of the D and some were getting ready to stage in front of the El Cortez.

    Being in a union myself I wish them the best of luck in getting a fair contract and since they had set up in front of The D and I was going to go in to play some sigma derby I am NOT a scab so I didn't cross the picket line.

    Lets hope this ends promptly so it can go back to business as usual downtown.
     
  2. smartone

    smartone VIP Whale

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    I hope it ends soon as well... things got a bit ugly out at the Cosmo several months back during the protests. I too absolutely respect the right of these folks to organize via their union, it's really the only leverage they have in this regard.
     
  3. wishman35

    wishman35 VIP Whale

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    Are these the same parasites who were calling innocent unknowing tourists ugly fat asses and whales for walking into the Cosmopolitan? Hopefully they don't harass people enjoying their vacation.
     
  4. smartone

    smartone VIP Whale

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    Yep... I hope it doesn't devolve to the level again... Biting the hand that ultimately feeds you is never a good idea.
     
  5. jackincols

    jackincols Guest

    While I certainly respect their right to picket (my Dad was a union man), I hope they don't begrudge me my right to dine at Hugo's.

    In all of my years of going to Vegas, this is one place I've always wanted to eat at, but never did. My high school buddy and his wife live out there and made reservations there before this strike happened.

    I'm getting a little long in the tooth and not in the best of health, so I want to do some things I haven't done yet, strike or no strike.
     
  6. Big Tip

    Big Tip VIP Whale

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    sure sure, respect and all that, but am I going to be able to get a beer at my blackjack table tomorrow night when I arrive?
     
  7. jackincols

    jackincols Guest

    Good point. The way I look at it, in 80+ trips to Vegas over the years, I've put out plenty of $$$'s to help the city's economy, and in a round about way, put food on their tables.

    While I would never walk in a casino they were picketing just to drop a 20 in a machine and then leave, if I have previous dining plans at a casino they're striking, so be it.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 13, 2014
  8. Electroguy563

    Electroguy563 Vegas Joker

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    How does the negotiations work. Does the Union negotiate with properties separately? Is this why you've only seen picketers at the D and El Cortez?

    Were there other picket lines at other Downtown properties?
     
  9. TFK

    TFK High-Roller

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    I have no love for the Culinary Union because of their underhanded tactics in their war against the UFC. It's been their influence and money that has kept MMA illegal in the state of New York. They are as corrupt as they come.

    I'd have no problem at all crossing their lines.


    TFK
     
  10. dglen

    dglen Low-Roller

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    If they try to prevent me from entering any restaurants next week I'll be sure to honor that (not entering) when they go back to work.
     
  11. DonnyC

    DonnyC VIP Whale

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    I paid my airfare, my hotel and for my food.

    If they are/were picketing when I showed up...out of my way - I'm going in!
     
  12. Electroguy563

    Electroguy563 Vegas Joker

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    I have my reservations as to how Unions are handling negotiations lately. Harassing people instead of educating them really turns me off. Information pickets should be conducted with respect for people and conducted in a peaceful and civil manner. The purpose of the picket is to educate and enlighten the public as to the Union member's plight.

    I believe this will foster mutual respect between the public and the Union sector. An understanding public can now not patronize the establishment if they choose to do so, based on information and facts.

    No name calling, no harassment. This is not elementary school, although after seeing some picket lines in the past I often wonder.

    And by the way, I am a Union member. I hope this gets resolved quickly. :peace:
     
  13. Viva Las Vegas

    Viva Las Vegas Elvis has left the building

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    Unions sometimes hire non union folks (sometimes homeless) to picket, who may not be the best representatives to state a case (Holding a will picket for beer money sign). You are right, properly stating your case is more perversive, but loud shouting and intimidation is quicker and easier/cheaper to implement. Besides, there are not many Vegas visitors who will stop for a few minutes who are sober and willing to discuss labor issues on their vacation.

    I booked The D and The California a few days ago for the downtown portion of my June trip (also staying at Bally's for a tournament and Cosmopolitan). The D is my first night downtown, just to knock it off my checklist and see if I can find a decent machine and seed a flier offer for next trip. The California is for the remainder of my DT stay (5 nights).

    The California, unlike Fremont and MSS also owned by Boyd, is non union. We know a few of the bartenders @ The Cal and they are happy with their current work situation and status. The California is my regular downtown place to stay and play. People won't run into any picketing issues at The Cal, because there is no contract to renegotiate.

    The CU was able to renew with the Strip duopoly, locking up the weakest links afterwards (LVH, Riv, Strat). Downtown, it appears the opposite tactics were planned as they are going after a few of the weaker independent DT properties (FQ/EC). Not sure if anyone would notice picketing in front of LVC. :evillaugh
     
  14. wpete

    wpete High-Roller

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    +1......
     
  15. SoCalTrucker

    SoCalTrucker Tourist

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    From what I saw on Saturday everything was pretty peaceful. There were only a dozen or so picketers outside The D and they were just walking in a circle near the escalator that goes upstairs from the outside. They had a ton of picket signs up against the back side of the stage on main st so maybe more were coming. We didn't see anyone Sunday.
     
  16. mattMN10

    mattMN10 Minnesota living. Las Vegas dreaming.

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    Any updates thus far? I looked at the Union's website and it shows the downtown properties as a "threat" to incur labor disputes and that labor disputes are currently happening at the station casinos. I'm arriving at the Plaza on Easter Sunday.

    :peace:
     
    Buddies 4th of July Bash
  17. da1chifan

    da1chifan High-Roller

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  18. kimandtim

    kimandtim Tourist

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    Just got back yesterday and from what I saw there was absolutely no disruption of service anywhere. Groups were fairly small and loosely organized and didn't address passers by directly that I saw.
     
  19. gambler

    gambler VIP Whale

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    Good find! I was surprised too by the lack of coverage. It's nice to see the pictures to have some idea of the turnout.
     
  20. dhlamar

    dhlamar Low-Roller

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    I hope its over pretty soon cause I planned on gambling DT this next trip but wont if they are still protesting.
    THIS MESSAGE IS UNION APPROVED!!!!
     
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