LAS VEGAS (NewsNation Now) – Las Vegas is slated to fully reopen on June 1, but things have already started to return to a pre-pandemic normal.
Democratic representative Dina Titus says her district has seen both extremes.
“When we come back I think it will be a sign of hope. And it’s like the light at the end of the tunnel, ”said Titus.
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Jason Strauss is CEO of Tao Group, which has restaurants and nightclubs all over the Las Vegas Strip, and says Las Vegas businesses are leading the reopening thanks to the city’s reputation for hospitality and entertainment.
“It was an explosion, the pent-up demand was dramatic and I saw this city come together again. It was amazing to see,” said Strauss.
If Vegas is the symbol of post-pandemic recovery, there are many of the problems associated with it, like people returning to work.
“We had the highest unemployment of all because so many people depend on the tourism industry and hospitality,” said Titus.
The Culinary Workers Union Local 226 says around 50% of its workers are still unemployed.
“When they closed the casinos for the first two months, we had 97% of everyone at home who was not working,” said union secretary and treasurer Geoconda Argüello-Kline.
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A controversial Nevada Senate bill is now being considered that will guarantee workers the right to return to the same job for the same pay at a time when hotels and casinos have been slow to close.
“The Senate law has a chance to pass. If you have been fired, you have the first right to rejection,” said Titus.
Republican Senator Keith Pickard rejects the corporate burden bill.
“They’re trying to force this seniority ranking on them instead of deserving it,” Pickard said.
Whatever decision is made, Strauss says he will know things are back when familiar scenes return.
“I think we’ll know we’re back when I see a full dance floor, hands in the air, one of our headlining DJs we’re all known for,” said Strauss.
