Former employees of the now-closed Mirage casino in Las Vegas have raised concerns about their labor union’s handling of severance packages. The workers allege that Culinary Local 226 failed to properly communicate the details of the severance options and did not respond to requests for clarification. The Mirage closed its doors in July, resulting in approximately 3,000 job losses. Hard Rock International is set to take over the property and transform it into the Hard Rock Las Vegas by spring 2027.
The allegations against Culinary Local 226 include claims of coercion and restraint in the exercise of employees’ rights under the National Labor Relations Act. Workers assert that they were only given a brief summary of the severance contract after its ratification and had to wait several months for a complete breakdown. The union offered two types of severance packages to Mirage employees: a lump sum payment based on years of service and contributions to pension and health funds, or a smaller payout with placement on a priority hiring list for the new property.
Some former employees expressed confusion over the options presented to them, with concerns that joining the rehiring list could jeopardize their chances of returning to work if the development of Hard Rock Las Vegas takes longer than anticipated. While the allegations are directed at the labor union and not the Mirage property itself, the plaintiffs have requested cooperation from the casino’s management in providing information related to the case.
The closure of the Mirage after 34 years of operation on the Las Vegas Strip has had a significant impact on the local workforce. The transition to the Hard Rock Las Vegas under new ownership presents both challenges and opportunities for former Mirage employees seeking clarity on their severance packages and future employment prospects. The National Labor Relations Board filing obtained by the Las Vegas Review-Journal sheds light on the grievances of workers who feel they were not adequately informed or supported by their union during a time of uncertainty and transition.