‘We’re still struggling’: low unemployment can’t hide impact of low wages and rising inflation

Workers in Las Vegas are still feeling the effects of employers' pandemic cuts - all made worse by rising inflation and low wages

In the rotating restaurant at the top of the Strat hotel and casino, guests can once again enjoy $20 cocktails or a $90 shellfish display for two while taking in the expansive views of downtown Las Vegas from its landmark tower. After the Covid shutdown, Vegas is back in business. But not everyone seems happy, or sure how long it will last.

On a recent afternoon, just out of view of the hotel's 1,000-plus feet (350-metre) spike, a couple of hundred hospitality service workers were gathered in a nearby car park. In baking 90F (32C) heat, speakers told the workers that they must fight to get improved contracts and controls for soaring rents. Si, se puede" - yes, we can - they shouted outside the headquarters of Nevada's powerful Culinary Workers Union.