The 1,500 convention and trade show members of Teamsters Local 631 in Las Vegas have voted in favour of a new four-year collective bargaining agreement that includes the largest wage package for the industry in the history of the local.
“Las Vegas is the number one convention and trade show destination in the world,” said Tommy Blitsch, secretary-treasurer of Local 631 and director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show and Casino Division. “Local 631 members make trade shows happen. Every show goes up on time, every time and every show gets torn down on time, every time. We are the best. This contract rewards our members for the work they do.”
The union used traditional and newer methods of outreach, including Zoom and online polling, to discuss what the members wanted and which issues were most important for them to discuss.
“The committee wanted to hear all of the membership’s issues so it could address their concerns. The members who participated were vital to achieving this contract,” Blitsch added.
Thirteen months after reopening post-Covid, approximately 40% of the local’s members are not back to working the hours that they were prior to the pandemic. Given inflation is gripping the country, Blitsch said it was important to get as much money into members’ pockets now.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.2 million men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information.
Photo courtesy of Teamsters
