Unions Provide Support to Mirage Workers Ahead of Upcoming Closure

The iconic Mirage Hotel & Casino, a fixture in the heart of Sin City, is set to close its doors on July 17th, marking the end of an era in Las Vegas history. This monumental closure is paving the way for an extensive transformation that will see the property reopened under the banner of Hard Rock Las Vegas. As the closure date approaches, the Mirage will host a farewell ceremony featuring speeches from notable figures in the gambling sector, including Hard Rock’s chairman and CEO of Seminole Gaming, Jim Allen, and Mirage’s president, Joe Lupo. The ceremony aims to honor the legacy of the Mirage while looking forward to a new chapter in its storied existence.

With the closure imminent, the focus has been on the 1,700 workers at the casino resort, represented by the Culinary and Bartenders unions. These unions have been instrumental in supporting the affected employees, organizing job fairs, and offering information and training campaigns to ease the transition. Ted Pappageorge, the secretary-treasurer of the Culinary Union, acknowledged the difficulty of the situation for long-time employees but also expressed strong support for Hard Rock’s plans to remodel and reopen the property, promising a bigger and better venue. Pappageorge emphasized that while the economy

With the closure imminent, the focus has been on the 1,700 workers at the casino resort, represented by the Culinary and Bartenders unions. These unions have been instrumental in supporting the affected employees, organizing job fairs, and offering information and training campaigns to ease the transition. Ted Pappageorge, the secretary-treasurer of the Culinary Union, acknowledged the difficulty of the situation for long-time employees but also expressed strong support for Hard Rock’s plans to remodel and reopen the property, promising a bigger and better venue. Pappageorge emphasized that while the economy is robust, leading to increased opportunities both in Las Vegas and across the nation, the closure still represents a significant upheaval for many workers who have dedicated their entire careers to the Mirage.

In light of the upcoming closure, the Mirage employees face two distinct options. The first choice provides compensation of $2,000 for every year of service, along with six months of medical insurance and pension benefits. However, selecting this option means that employees will not be automatically rehired once the new Hard Rock property reopens after an estimated three-year redevelopment. In contrast, the second option offers assured reemployment at the new venue but comes with less attractive compensation. This dual-choice scenario underscores the