Rampart Casino in Summerlin, Nevada Faces Turbulent Future

Article by : Erik Gibbs Apr 1, 2024

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The Culinary Union and UNITE HERE in Summerlin, Nevada, have issued a call to boycott Rampart Casino amid an ongoing labor dispute involving workers employed by the Lalji family, who own both the casino and the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel in Canada.

The Culinary Union stands in solidarity with striking workers at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel, owned by the Laljis’ hospitality company, Larco Hospitality.

This boycott comes after months of strikes by Canadian employees, raising concerns that the labor unrest may spill over to impact operations at Rampart Casino in the Las Vegas Valley.

Nestled in Vancouver’s Richmond area, the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel has become the focal point of a public boycott spearheaded by the British Columbia Federation of Labor. This coalition, representing nearly 50 affiliated unions and half a million members in the Canadian province, has opposed the hotel complex.

Shaelyn Arnould, a dedicated worker at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport, highlighted the hotel’s prominence, particularly for travelers landing at Vancouver International Airport. She emphasized its status as one of the busiest hotels in the Lower Mainland.

Despite its success, Arnould shed light on the hotel’s workforce, predominantly comprised of immigrants and women.

Arnould emphasized the difficulties workers encounter, highlighting the gap between wages and the escalating cost of living in Vancouver. She reiterated their determination, making it clear that they won’t allow companies to abandon them and will persist until they achieve their rights.

Ted Pappageorge, serving as the Culinary Union’s secretary-treasurer, highlighted the union’s pivotal role in championing the rights of numerous workers in Las Vegas, both on the Strip and Downtown.

Pappageorge pointed out the union’s extensive track record in safeguarding and elevating labor standards through various means such as organizing, negotiation, strikes and boycotts.

Expressing apprehension, Pappageorge addressed the ongoing labor discord between the Lalji family’s business practices and the union’s established standards for their workforce in Vancouver.

Pappageorge pledged full support for the striking workers of UNITE HERE Local 40 in Vancouver and aligned with their cause.

In addition to urging a boycott of Rampart Casino, the union voiced another troubling issue related to the gaming license held by Shirazalli Jafferali Lalji, who passed away in March 2020.

Despite his demise, Mr. Lalji was still listed as holding an active gaming license as of March 21, 2024, raising significant concerns within the union.