Tropicana reaches five-year deal with Culinary, Bartenders unions

The Tropicana said Thursday it reached tentative agreement on a new five-year labor contract with Culinary Local 226 and Bartenders Local 165, covering some 650 nongaming employees at the Strip resort.

The deal with between the hotel and the negotiating committee still needs to be ratified by the employees.

The Tropicana is the first independent hotel-casino to reach agreement with the unions on a new five-year contract to replace deals that expired in June 2013.

The unions had previously reached deals covering casinos operated by MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment that cover nearly 20 Strip resorts.

The Tropicana deal comes as union members prepare to vote on a strike authorization that could lead to walkouts at several Strip and downtown hotel-casinos.

“We are thrilled that our collaboration with Tropicana has resulted in reaching an agreement that is mutually beneficial,” Culinary secretary treasurer Geoconda Arguello-Kline said in a statement.

The economic package, agreed to by both parties, mirrors what was agreed to with MGM Resorts and Caesars.

Workers will keep their health insurance. Also, changes were negotiated for food and beverage operations to allow for flexibility in closed and distressed venues with the goals of reopening shops and bringing workers back to their jobs.

New housekeeping language will increase job safety by creating measures designed to deal with hazardous work conditions.

Employees covered by the contract include workers in food and beverage, housekeeping, cocktails and the bell departments.

A date for a ratification vote was not set.

Contact reporter Howard Stutz at hstutz@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3871. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.