Operating Engineers Local 501 has been trying to organize at Resorts World Las Vegas (RWLV) since October 2021 with no success. In a recent attempt to unionize, Local 501 Director of Organizing Jose Soto and 110 RWLV facilities maintenance workers and slot technicians sent a letter to Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak accusing the casino’s owner, Genting Group, of having “alarming” ties to Chinese Communist state-owned businesses.
Soto also sent copies of the letter to state legislative leaders, directors of investigations and the executive secretary at the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB).
Soto wrote, “We are concerned that the findings were not adequately considered during Resorts World/Genting Group’s licensing investigation by the Nevada Gaming Control Board and Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC). We request that regulators initiate a new review into the business relationships between Genting Group and Chinese state-owned enterprises. Genting Group has unique relationships that appear to be unprecedented among Nevada gaming licensees. This level of political and economic exposure can adversely influence the operations of Genting, its subsidiaries and its ownership group. Moreover, ties to Chinese state enterprises may cause reputational harm to the state of Nevada and its gaming industry.”
In April, the National Labor Relations Board filed a complaint against Resorts World, claiming the company engaged in unfair labor practices by interfering with the union’s organizing efforts through coercion and intimidation. Seven Resorts World officials, including President Scott Sibella and labor consultant Greg Peraino, were named in the complaint.
Soto said, “It’s almost impossible to have a fair election now” because of interference by top management officials at the casino. He stated Peraino’s actions were nothing less than attempted union busting.
The union wants the state to force Genting Group to fully divest its joint-venture interests in its Chinese state enterprises. Officials said some of Genting Group’s international business interests were brought up at its NGCB and NGC hearings earlier this year. Both agencies fully approved Genting Group and its executive officers.
Responding to Soto and Local 501 Secretary Carolyne Akili, Sisolak’s Deputy Chief of Staff Bailey Bortolin stated the governor was taking the matter very seriously. However, Bortolin recommended the union “work directly with the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the Nevada Gaming Commission and their respective staffs to raise and pursue your claims.”
A spokesperson for Resorts World said the company was in full compliance with federal labor laws: “At no time did Resorts World Las Vegas engage in any unlawful practices and we wish only that our team members are able to make an informed choice about their future, and whether or not they wish to be represented by the Operating Engineers for purposes of collective bargaining.”
