With tourism down, Las Vegas casino workers face economic hardship | Here & Now
A decline in tourism is causing economic hardship for Las Vegas casino workers, leading to reduced hours and job insecurity.Summary
Las Vegas is experiencing a downturn in tourism, with visitor numbers falling by 7.5% in the past year to 38.5 million. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority attributes this to economic concerns and a decrease in international travelers, particularly from Canada due to trade disputes. This decline translates to roughly three million fewer visitors and is causing concern among casino workers. Workers like Brian Torres Sauzo and Sharon Beckworth report fewer work hours and increased pressure to maintain employment. The Culinary Union Local 226, representing 60,000 workers, fears further economic damage if aggressive federal immigration policies are implemented in Nevada, potentially deterring tourists. The situation is described as a “complex operating environment” outside of the pandemic period, with quiet casino floors becoming a visible sign of the economic strain.
(Source：Wbur)