LAS VEGAS - In a last-minute breakthrough, the Culinary union has announced a "tentative" contract agreement with Las Vegas Strip's MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment, effectively avoiding a potential strike that was set to commence in just 48 hours.

The union took to its official X account to disclose the update, emphasizing that the five-year contract deal was forged after extensive negotiations, spanning a grueling 20 hours. This agreement will positively impact approximately 25,400 MGM workers employed across eight properties.

Expressing its dedication to its employees, a representative from MGM Resorts International stated, "Our employees are the heart of our company and the driving force in the success we've enjoyed in Las Vegas post-pandemic. We're pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that averts a strike, gives our Culinary Union employees a well-earned boost to pay and benefits, and reduces workloads - all while continuing to provide opportunities for growth and advancement."

This breakthrough follows the precedent set by Caesars Entertainment, which reached a tentative contract agreement with the Culinary union on Wednesday morning, amid growing concerns over the looming strike. However, negotiations between the union and Wynn Resorts are still ongoing, with no agreement reached at this time.

The Culinary union, representing over 60,000 workers in the hospitality industry in Las Vegas, had been engaged in intense negotiations with several major casino operators in an effort to secure better pay, benefits, and improved working conditions. The potential strike, which was scheduled to begin in less than 24 hours, threatened to disrupt the operations of these prominent Las Vegas establishments, potentially causing significant economic losses.

With these recent developments, the Culinary union has managed to secure tentative agreements with two major players in the Las Vegas Strip, ensuring stability in the hospitality sector and preserving the livelihoods of thousands of workers. As negotiations with Wynn Resorts continue, all eyes remain on the outcome, which could have a lasting impact on the future of labor relations within the city's bustling hospitality industry.

As both sides work towards finalizing the terms of the agreements, the Culinary union members and employees at MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that their interests have been heeded and that their hard-earned benefits and fair treatment in the workplace will be upheld.