A protest and ongoing labor dispute at Harry Reid International Airport has intensified as Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165 continue negotiating new contracts for disadvantaged business enterprise concessionaires. The unions represent about 400 hospitality workers across 21 outlets. On Nov. 12, members unanimously authorized a potential strike, which could be called at any time if no tentative agreement is reached, raising concerns about disruptions during the holiday travel season.
Recent protests at an airport revealed employee frustrations resulting from stagnant wages combined with increased cost-of-living expenses. Employees such as Anselmo Arana and Mildred Bollozos described years without raises and widening pay disparities as they joined demonstrations involving roughly 400 employees across 10 companies with lapsed contracts. Inflation and rising expenses were central themes, with workers citing examples at locations such as Moe's Southwest Grill and Nathan's.