Just before lunch Thursday, the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 detailed during a news conference the effects of the “Trump Slump” — the low tourism numbers due to trade and immigration policies that union leaders said have resulted in less work hours and less tips for Culinary’s members.

Joe Spica, a union bellman with Culinary, said 2025 was “the worst year” he’s ever had working on the Strip and that many necessities — from groceries to his gas bill — have gone up since Trump retook the White House.

Spica explained that international guest visitation has dropped, and even Americans who visit aren’t spending as much money or tipping like before.

Because of the drop in visitors, “many of our workers have been laid off,” including some of Spica’s friends, who he said had decades of experience.

Union leaders also pointed out the effects of immigration enforcement, which has intensified since Trump took office last year, and tax policies that they believe are flawed.

“We all know that Donald Trump’s policies have impacted Las Vegas’ local economy, and workers are feeling it,” said Diana Valles, the union’s president. “Las Vegas is an independent economy, and we need policies that welcome visitors. We need a policy that strengthens our state, but we’re in a crisis right now. We’re in a crisis right now because our members in our community they’re experiencing big, big financial problems.”