Is the Culinary Union cutting off its nose to spite its face? The local had a contractual agreement that all Wynncore members would be keep on full health benefits, even if reduced to part-time status. But when Encore semi-closed, the union charges, 1,000 Culinary members not only lost their jobs but their benefits. Not only is this an alleged breach of contract, it’s prompting the Culinary to escalate by demanding that all Wynn Resorts-employed members be reinstated full-time with full benefits. This brinksmanship may backfire. Wynn is threatening a new round of layoffs in January. With a Las Vegas Strip recovery nowhere in sight there’s no reason not to believe that Wynncore is in earnest. The company claims that the Culinary’s demands are untenable and we’re inclined to agree. “Last week, the Union decided to take action against the Company and require that we return to strict union rules that force us to schedule full-time employees for 40 hours. We told the Union that would result in fewer people working, forcing many employees into layoff status,” wrote company execs. Unfortunately for the Culinary it cannot look to the state for relief. Nevada has exhausted its unemployment trust fund, forcing to borrow money from the federal government.
Culinary Union should extend the health benefits and help their members with cash fund monthly for all members laid off due to Covid 19.