Union Workers Shut Down Vegas Strip, Get Arrested

Nearly 100 casino workers were arrested for blocking traffic on the Las Vegas Strip yesterday. The Culinary Union members were protesting in front of the young Cosmopolitan casino for what they say is unfair treatment by owner Deutsche Bank.

Thousands of tourists got a free show watching the red-shirted workers yell and chant things like “If we don’t get no contract, you don’t get no peace." They managed to shut down traffic on one of the world's busiest boulevards for more than 1 hour... in both directions!

Vegas' biggest union has been trying to get a contract with the German bank for over two years. They've been in negotiations with casino management but have been unable to get a deal they like.Yesterday was the first time in 20 years they used non-violent "civil disobedience" tactics to cause problems and get public attention.

We say: We understand why workers expect and deserve fair wages and benefits here in our home city of Las Vegas. But the Culinary Union is known for asking for too much, especially in a bad economy. Hopefully they can get a fair contract -- both for the struggling Cosmo and for themselves -- and not have to block any more traffic... especially while we're driving down there!

Learn some mo': 98 arrested in rally on Vegas Strip