LAS VEGAS, NV — Forty-six production crewmembers at Spiegelworld’s Atomic Saloon Show have officially unionized with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 720 and ratified their first contract, the union announced Friday.
Following a successful National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election in April 2023, the bargaining unit—consisting of full-time, part-time, and on-call crew — successfully negotiated a strong first contract with Spiegelworld management in March. The unit includes specialized roles across audio, lighting, wardrobe, wigs, props, rigging, automation, and more, working at both the Atomic Saloon Show at The Venetian hotel, and the now closed show called “OPM” at The at The Cosmopolitan Resort-Casino. Spiegelworld is primarily known for its eccentric and adult-oriented Las Vegas productions like Absinthe, DiscoShow, and Atomic Saloon Show.
The unionization effort began when several on-call workers were denied cost-of-living raises and the crew were further spurred on by a united pushback against anti-union “captive audience” meetings held by management. Upon the closing of “OPM” amidst contract negotiations, the union secured a Letter of Agreement (LOA) ensuring continued healthcare benefits for displaced workers and priority consideration for future job openings.
“Now that these workers are union, on-call crewmembers can access additional jobs through our dispatch system, helping them get the hours they need to make a decent living,” said IATSE Local 720 Representative Cliff Paschall. “And as always, good union jobs strengthen communities by putting more money into the hands of working people, which supports local businesses and economic growth.”
The ratified contract includes several significant wins inducing full healthcare coverage, retirement savings access extended to all employees, wage parity across roles, minimum call guarantees, and a structured process to resolve concerns collaboratively with management.
“This contract brings real security, equity, and a voice on the job for these workers,” said IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb. “When workers stand together, they win.”