Strike threatens to trouble Las Vegas GP, fans fear disappointment

Hospitality workers in Las Vegas are threatening to strike if the union does not manage to strike a deal with the city's casinos, restaurants and hotels. The strike would go into effect this Friday. A week later, the Formula One circus descends on Las Vegas.

According to the Culinary and Bartenders Union, 35,000 people will go on strike. It still depends on whether the union manages to strike a deal with MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment and Wynn Resorts. That chance is slim as the parties have been in talks over a new contract for more than seven months. Employees have been working on expired contracts since mid-September. The union is not yet satisfied with the offer on the table. "Their current proposal on the table is historic, but it's not enough and workers deserve to have record contracts - especially after these giant corporations are enjoying their record profits," Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer of the union, told NPR.

The strike would have little impact on the F1 event itself, but it would mainly affect visitors to the race. The union is urging tourists and visitors not to visit hotels and casinos when the strike occurs. Wynn Resorts say little about a possible strike. "We will save our comments regarding negotiations for the bargaining table." There is no comment from Formula 1 yet.

Even before the whole spectacle has begun, the Las Vegas GP is already under the microscope. The race has been questioned by residents of the city. They complain about disruption from traffic works and visual barriers at pedestrian walkways to take away residents' view of the Las Vegas Street Circuit. Trees near the Belaggio have also been removed, and traffic jams are common.