"The dedicated members of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 are truly the front line of Nevada's vibrant tourism industry—their good work is what keeps visitors coming back year after year. Through the hard work of negotiators on both sides of the table, tens-of-thousands of Culinary members now have new contracts that guarantee good wages, opportunities for advancement and excellent benefits. Many contract successes—including the most recent settlements with the Stratosphere and Sahara—prove that a shared commitment to the collective bargaining process can produce great results for all involved.

"Today's strike vote is a call to action to ensure that the nearly 10,000 workers still without contracts are not left behind. Many of the currently unresolved negotiations involve Nevada's founding properties in the downtown area. Many of the members affected are men and women who truly had a hand in building the city, dedicating their lives to making Las Vegas the international symbol of entertainment and hospitality that it is today.

"I have pledged to stand with members of the Culinary as they fight to achieve their Las Vegas dreams—and until every last member has a responsible contract. It is my sincere hope that today's strike vote will serve as notice that management must recommit to the collective bargaining process—not just to avert a damaging strike and all its consequences for the local economy, but also to send a strong message that the tourism industry truly values the working families who keep its properties running each and every day."