Rio Hotel and Casino Workers Triumph as Teamsters Ratify 4-Year Agreement

The unionized workers of Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas have reached a major victory after officials agreed to ratify a Teamsters agreement. Thanks to this, the workers have secured better conditions, while casino officials have averted a likely strike.

A Strike Has Been Averted

According to the announcement, the ratification of the agreement was long overdue since negotiations had been dragging on for almost two years. This left workers with no certainty about the future, causing them to consider striking. The workers’ intentions were further made clear when they voted to authorize a strike.

Luckily, a strike scenario has now been averted thanks to the Teamsters Union.

Teamsters Local 986, which represents the Rio Hotel & Casino workers, just made a breakthrough, successfully negotiating the ratification of a four-year agreement with the casino management.

Among other things, the contract outlines a 15% wage increase, better vacation policies, and continued coverage per the Teamsters Health and Welfare Plan. In addition to that, the casinos’ 62 workers have secured job protections against technology, as well as the opportunity to join the Teamsters 401(k) plan.

Victory Belongs to the Workers

Casino representatives told reporters that they are pleased with the outcome. According to Malinda Zarcone, a front desk worker at the property, all the casino employees wanted was fair contracts that allowed them to work without worrying. She added that she and her colleagues didn’t really wish for a strike to happen but were prepared to do so if push came to shove.

Teamsters representatives were also happy with the outcome. Tim Vera, president of Local 986, congratulated his fellow union members on staying strong and forcing the Rio Hotel and Casino Management to heed their demands. Vera added that the win belongs to all workers who refused to be ignored.

Tommy Blitsch, director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division, concluded that the recent contract shows that the Teamsters Union will not tolerate disrespect toward its fellow members.