The labor union representing thousands of Nevada’s casino workers says the industry needs to be transparent in how it intends to reopen.
More than 10,000 Culinary Union employees drove up and down the Las Vegas Strip on Tuesday, May 12, as part of an effort to get casinos to implement stronger public health policies and disclose their full reopening plans.
According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, before a casino can open they must submit an individualized COVID-19 prevention plan, disinfect all surfaces and provide cleaning and social distancing training to all employees.
Union spokesperson Bethany Kahn said their recommendations will help keep more people, not just employees, safe.
“Workers want to go back to work,” Khan said. “They don't want to bring back anything that impacts their family’s safety. That's why the union is calling on the companies to negotiate. We think that by working together we can ensure that workers and the visitors are safe.”
Once casinos open, the Nevada Gaming Control Board stated, each establishment must place signage throughout the property regarding proper hand hygiene.
Employees exhibiting flu-like symptoms should be encouraged to stay home and have to inform local health authorities if they test positive for COVID-19.
Andrew Mendez is a bilingual student reporter with Noticiero Móvil at the Reynolds School of Journalism.
