The Riviera Casino Resort has made a tentative agreement with the Culinary Local 226 and Bartenders Local 165 Union's that apparently has both sides of the bargaining table satisfied. Although details of the collective bargaining agreement have yet to be released, a Culinary Union spokesperson has said in a statement that the negotiating committee representing 1,000 casino employees at the Riviera was very pleased to have achieved its goals regarding the issues at the table. Not until the union workers approve the agreement with a ratification vote next week, will the exact details be released.

The Culinary Union did say that the agreement mirrors the recent five-year deal made with Harrah's Entertainment casinos in which the Union was able to secure annual raises of 3.7%. This particular deal was signed June 16 and ratified by workers the very next day. It gives better working benefits to over 15,000 Culinary and Bartender Unions working at Harrah's Las Vegas properties, including the Rio, Bally's, Caesar's Palace, Paris Casino and Harrah's Las Vegas.

There is some speculation that the terms of the Riviera agreement are better than those made with Harrah's. The Culinary Union said they are very pleased to see the Riviera "taking a lead on setting a new standard" for casino workers since contracts at downtown and Strip casino resorts expired on May 31, 2007. The pacts signed with Harrah's and the Riviera are the first two agreements since the expirations. Regarding the 30,000 plus casino workers who continue to work on extended contracts - 21,000 of whom work for MGM Mirage - no union negotiations are scheduled at this time.

One thing is certain - MGM Mirage had better answer the Union's proposals for a collective agreement, which they presented on June 22. MGM Mirage apparently wants all of its partner casinos to decide for themselves on whether they even want the Culinary Union to be present at negotiations. The Union, however, wants to represent workers at all future meetings. One of the chief issues, as always, will be about wages. The Union is seeking a yearly increase based on future economic conditions (as they have with Harrah's and the Rio), while MGM Mirage wants to base raises on the Consumer Price Index.