The Teamsters Union set up picket lines at the SLS Las Vegas on Wednesday, complaining the hotel-casino is not allowing its valet parking attendants to form a union.
Teamsters Local 986 organized the protest, which the union claims is supported by other labor organizations. “The picket signs went up at 4 a.m. and we will stay here until the SLS management stops breaking the law and respects the workers’ right to form a union,†said Chris Griswold, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 986. “Other unions are honoring our picket lines and the workers have strong community support.â€
The union claims SLS management committed unfair labor practices and fired three workers for supporting the organizing campaign.
In a statement, SLS Las Vegas officials didn’t officially address the charges leveled by the Teamsters. More than half of the 1,600-room resort’s work force are union members.
“SLS Las Vegas has a strong history of working collaboratively and openly with every union our employees elect to represent them,†according to the statement from the hotel-casino. “Should more follow suit, we intend to work with any union they elect in the spirit of finding a fair agreement.â€
SLS Las Vegas opened last year on the north end of the Strip as a redevelopment of the Sahara, which closed in 2011. Contact reporter Howard Stutz at hstutz@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3871. Find @howardstutz on Twitter.