El Cortez reaches deal with Culinary, Bartenders unions

The El Cortez became the third downtown Las Vegas casino in two days to reach a tentative agreement on a five-year contract with two unions, averting a strike planned for this weekend.

In a statement Wednesday, Culinary Local 226 and Bartenders Local 165 said the contract, which must be ratified by the El Cortez’ non-gaming employees, is retroactive to June 1 last year.

Two casinos — Main Street Station and the Fremont — operated by Boyd Gaming reached new contract agreements Monday. The Golden Nugget settled its contract negotiations last month.

The agreement with the El Cortez, reached after a day of negotiations Tuesday, leaves six downtown casinos without a new contract and facing a 5 a.m. Sunday walkout by some 1,200 restaurant workers, hotel housekeepers, cocktail servers and bartenders.

Contract talks are scheduled to continue this week between the union and management of The D, Four Queens, Binion’s, Plaza, Las Vegas Club, and Golden Gate casinos.

Contact reporter Howard Stutz at hstutz@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3871. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.