Hundreds of hospitality workers are on strike at a casino near the Las Vegas Strip from

Hundreds of Hospitality Workers Strike at Henderson Casino

Workers Demand Higher Wages, Improved Benefits

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Hundreds of hospitality workers at a casino near the Las Vegas Strip went on strike early Friday, demanding higher wages and improved benefits.

The strike began at 6 a.m. at the Fiesta Henderson Hotel and Casino, which is owned by Station Casinos.

The Culinary Workers Union Local 226, which represents the workers, said in a statement that the strike was "a last resort" after months of unsuccessful negotiations with Station Casinos.

Union: Workers 'Fed Up' with Low Wages, Poor Benefits

D. Taylor, secretary-treasurer of the union, said workers at the Fiesta Henderson are "fed up" with low wages and poor benefits.

The union is demanding a $15-per-hour minimum wage, increased health care benefits, and a defined pension plan.

Station Casinos said in a statement that it was "disappointed" by the strike and that it was committed to reaching a fair agreement with the union.

Strike Could Hurt Casino's Business

The strike could hurt the Fiesta Henderson's business, especially during the busy holiday season.

The casino is one of the largest in Henderson and employs about 1,000 people.

The strike is the latest in a series of labor disputes between Station Casinos and its workers.

Workers at Other Station Casinos Properties Could Join Strike

Workers at other Station Casinos properties could join the strike in the coming days.

The union represents about 60,000 workers at casinos in Las Vegas and Reno.

If the strike spreads to other properties, it could have a significant impact on the Las Vegas tourism industry.