Unions rally outside Trump hotel in ongoing labor dispute

Members of two large unions marched on the Strip in 107-degree heat Wednesday afternoon as part of an ongoing labor dispute at Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s hotel.

Organizers planned for about 2,000 attendees at the rally, including hospitality workers with CulinaryLocal 226 and an estimated 1,700 members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees who were in town for a major convention that included a speech from presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. Numerous protesters sought help from nurses and paramedics because of the heat, and the event was shortened to get union members back indoors.

“We fight for workers’ rights 365 days a year, no matter how hot,” said Culinary Union spokeswoman Bethany Khan, who noted the group spent six years picketing on behalf of workers at the Las Vegas’ Frontier casino in similar heat.

The National Labor Relations Board recently certified a December election that showed a majority of workers at the Las Vegas luxury hotel wanted union representation. Trump’s company asked for a review challenging that decision.

Workers want contract talks to start now, but it could be difficult to compel Trump management to come to the bargaining table anytime soon. A company spokeswoman didn’t immediately respond to messages seeking comment Wednesday.

Protesters,walked the half-mile route in a blocked-off lane of the Strip and chanted “Donald Trump, look around, Vegas is a union town.” Their signs riffed on Trump’s bravado, with slogans including “Give us the greatest, most impressive contract of all time.”