The ongoing conflict between Station Casinos and the Culinary Union in Las Vegas has reached the US Supreme Court, highlighting the contentious relationship that spans several years. On September 4, Chief Justice John Roberts denied Station's urgent request for a stay regarding a federal appeals court ruling that requires the company's Red Rock Casino Resort Spa in Summerlin to negotiate in good faith with the union after a contentious labor vote in late 2019. No explanation for the denial was provided.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) found that Red Rock interfered with a fair union vote, a claim that led Red Rock to file a lawsuit. However, this decision was upheld by the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia last month. Following the court's denial of a rehearing request on August 6, it rejected Station's plea for a stay on August 24 while awaiting potential Supreme Court intervention.
Although Red Rock can still ask the Supreme Court to hear its case, it must adhere to the NLRB ruling in the interim. This ruling mandates that the casino recognize and negotiate with the union if requested, along with posting employee rights notices and implementing various measures.
In a statement, Station expressed frustration, arguing that the NLRB decision overturned a clear employee vote against unionization at Red Rock. "The decision prevents any company from granting benefits to its employees if it is aware of union interest in unionizing the company’s employees and nullifies the Red Rock team members’ vote to be union-free, all because Station Casinos treated its team members too well," the statement read.
The dispute has been punctuated by escalating tensions, including public disputes and legal challenges. The December 2019 election was particularly pivotal, occurring shortly after Station announced a comprehensive benefits overhaul for its 14,000 employees across ten properties.
On November 19, 2019, just two days before the Culinary Union filed to represent workers at Red Rock, the company unveiled new benefits. This timing has raised questions, as Red Rock employees rejected the unionization proposal by a vote of 627 to 534. Both the NLRB and the DC appeals court have held that the casino's actions hindered a fair election process.
The culinary union, despite Station's resistance, has successfully organized across the Las Vegas Strip, gaining ground and securing new multi-year labor agreements with major operators like Wynn, Caesars, and MGM through city-wide strikes in late 2023 and early 2024.
While Station remains a significant non-union firm, Las Vegas Sands lost this status when Apollo Global Management acquired the Venetian-Palazzo and swiftly ratified a deal with the Culinary Union in 2024.
Over the years, the rivalry has also taken on a political dimension. Station Casinos is owned by the Fertitta family, known for their substantial donations to Republican candidates. In contrast, the Culinary Union tends to support Democratic candidates.
During a recent visit to Las Vegas, former President Donald Trump held a rally at Red Rock, praising the Fertitta family as a "beautiful family." Meanwhile, the Culinary Union condemned both the event and the Fertittas' alignment with Trump and Governor Joe Lombardo, criticizing the governor for supporting the casino's stance rather than advocating for the working-class citizens of Nevada who contribute to the state's economy.
In response, the union stated, "As Lombardo runs for re-election in a state built and run by unionized hospitality workers, Culinary Union is demanding to know why the governor stands with Station Casinos and Trump’s harmful economic agenda instead of fighting and delivering for the working people who power Nevada’s economy."
