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.
Especially disappointing for fans
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.
Controversial race
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.
I am totally biased here, I will not mind at all if this "race" is canceled. I think of it more as an event, typical for Liberty Media. The locals who are upset about this have no power. It is all about the money. I think the unions will get what they want.
Caesar's just settled. Traffic is crazy, I have never seen Vegas like this. I am not sure how good the racing will be but it will be one heck of a show
No just in Vegas right now staying across from the paddock (the locals do not like the name because of a Vegas shooter). The sheriff just blocked off the main intersection so F1 equipment could be trucked in from the airport
Ok, thanks for the info ? Didn't know about "Paddock", but I understand the locals. Are you doing to assist the race live from Vegas?
I don't think you are a cheapskate by refusing to pay $5k-10k for it. I would call it common sense ? "Although I will miss the beer festival in the park this weekend. $30 admission lets you have all the beer you can drink." It would make me sad too to miss that festival. Jeez $30 for all you can drink. Sounds like heaven ? Last summer they made something similar in my city. The admission was simply having to buy the "official" empty beer glass for about $20. This Glass was mandatory to buy the different beers available. For 2.5dl (~8oz) I payed about $7. Even for the expensive county I live in it's too much. ?
No I am a cheapskate and I am flying out this weekend. Maybe next year or the year after when prices are set for race fans rather than the social media crowd or look at me people. 2022 Miami GP prices were nuts 2023 lots of unsold seats. I refuse to pay $5k to $10k for three very crowded days.
Although I will miss the beer festival in the park this weekend. $30 admission lets you have all the beer you can drink. Welcome to Vegas
Well done @Matt Gretton. I see what you done in the article... "...if the union does not manage to strike a deal..." Well played sir.
The article is about a workers strike and Matt wrote that the union needs to 'strike' a deal. Same word, different meaning. Just thought was a good play with the word.
Haha got it ? I thought something similar. But since English is not my mother tongue, evidently, I wasn't sure about that. Thanks for the clarification, I learned something from you, once again ?
During a press conference in 2017: HAM wanted a race in Miami, it turned out to be a fail. VET wanted a race in Germany, it happened in 2020 because (or thanks?) of the pandemic. ALO called out for equal engines, these are still from different manufacturers, but it is safe to say that all manufacturers are about equal now. RIC wished a race in Las Vegas, it's about to happen but doesn't start well. But we'll have a better picture after the race. Funny thing, RIC was lucky to make it to participate to the race he wished back then. This wasn't guaranteed after he lost his seat at MCL and, after his hand injury this year. Glad he made it, even though, we should wait for the race. Bad luck can still happen. ?
Already having teething problems before the GP even comes to town. Wonder if it will turn out to be the 'totally hyped up' event which the organisers have been planning for or end up a total fiasco with grid lock traffic jams everywhere, residents complaining and probably suing the organisers (it's America, afterall and everyone seems to sue everyone for everything) and the town left with no F & B services because staff are on strike, especially when most people have paid an obscene amount of $$ to attend the event.
True, Las Vegas GP might not be as exciting and lucrative as the FIA presumed. FIA sometimes thinks in the direction and finance, setting a GP with most racing at midnight coupled with freezing temperatures, did they consider the well being of the fans or the drivers if traction becomes a problem.
At least removing trees fits F1's going green statements nicely.
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