Operating Engineers Local 501 plans Nov. 18 news conference on alleged anti-union retaliation at Wynn Las Vegas

What happened

KTNV Channel 13 reported that the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 501 will hold a news conference on Wednesday, November 18. The event centers on federal labor complaints against Wynn Resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. The station's headline describes the gathering as a rally meant to call out alleged unfair labor practices at the company.

According to KTNV, a press release obtained by the station says community and labor leaders will use the event to call on Wynn Las Vegas to "cease its anti-union retaliation." The station said it has been following the complaints for some time and plans to attend the news conference to continue its reporting.

The complaints at the center of the event

Three filings with the NLRB

KTNV reported that current and former employees have so far filed three formal complaints with the National Labor Relations Board. The filings allege violations of federal labor law. According to the station, all three stem from alleged retaliation after employees expressed support for joining a union.

These complaints are allegations. The KTNV report does not describe any finding, ruling or settlement by the labor board, and it does not say how the board has responded to the filings so far.

What workers have told KTNV

Across its coverage, KTNV said the current and former employees have shared a common set of concerns. They have described alleged retaliation, surveillance and other intimidation tactics. The workers told the station these problems followed after they had been vocal and supportive about unionizing. The KTNV article does not include a response from Wynn Resorts.

Who is expected to speak

KTNV listed Local 501 organizers and vice president, state Assemblymember Selena Torres-Fosset, and the president of Nevada's AFL-CIO among those expected at the event. The current and former employees who lodged the three complaints are also expected to attend, according to the station.

A new research report

KTNV said it was told a representative from a research group will share a report related to the issues raised by the workers. The press release obtained by the station characterizes the report as exposing the company's disregard for worker rights. The station did not name the research group or describe the report's specific findings, so those details remain unknown until the event.

Why it matters for the Strip

The dispute involves workers at a resort on the Las Vegas Strip, and a state lawmaker and the president of Nevada's AFL-CIO are expected to take part in the event. The workers' claims have been filed with a federal agency, separate from the public news conference. Readers following workplace and neighborhood issues around the valley can find more in our community coverage.

For now, the public record described by KTNV consists of the three complaints, the workers' accounts to the station, and the press release the station obtained. The company's position on the allegations was not part of the station's report, and the outcome of the complaints has not been reported.

What to watch next

• The Local 501 news conference scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, which KTNV plans to attend.
• The research group's report on the issues raised by current and former Wynn employees, expected to be shared at the event.
• Further developments in the three complaints filed with the National Labor Relations Board.