LAS VEGAS, NV – The Audio Visual Technicians at Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino have officially unionized with IATSE Local 720 while ratifying their first collective bargaining agreement on October 8, 2025. The Planet Hollywood AV crew works throughout the hotel, casino, and sportsbook areas. The property, formerly known as The Aladdin, is owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment.
The crew won recognition in January 2025 following a unanimous card count in favor of representation by Local 720. Negotiations began March 5 and concluded with the contract’s ratification earlier this month.
Contract negotiations centered on recognition of the crew’s scope of work, acknowledgement of the Lead position, and protection of their longstanding 40-hour weekly guarantee.
The agreement also includes:
- Wage increases exceeding 6.5% effective immediately, with additional increases in June 2026.
- Transition from a catastrophic healthcare plan to comprehensive UNION Health & Welfare coverage, fully paid by the employer.
- Recognition and pay adjustment for Lead responsibilities.
- Double pay on a seventh consecutive day worked or when recalled without an 8-hour rest period.
- Memorialized benefits including PTO, leaves of absence, 401(k) participation, free parking, just cause protections, grievance and arbitration rights, and work preservation.
“The organization of Planet Hollywood gives Local 720 a bigger market share of the work in Las Vegas than we’ve ever had before,” said Cliff Paschall, Local 720 Organizer. “This is a facility agreement that will change these workers’ lives for the better.”
“Planet Hollywood was the only Caesars Entertainment property on the Las Vegas Strip without an IATSE contract, so getting this agreement cements our partnership with Caesars as a union employer,” added Apple Thorne, IATSE International Vice President and Local 720 Business Representative. “This crew showed such solidarity, even on the issues they were divided on. They recognized each other’s priorities and fought for what mattered most. Working with them to secure a contract that impacts their lives and their families so thoroughly was an absolute pleasure.”
Crew members expressed enthusiasm about what the agreement means for their future. “The sense of the corporation having the best interest of the employee has never been lower for me. The union really makes me feel like I’m part of something that looks out for the hard workers that are grinding. I’m excited to take advantage of training classes to improve my skillset,” said John Morganti, Planet Hollywood AV Technician.
“Having the union represent me and my department takes the weight off my shoulders. I’m looking forward to working shows again with bands and assisting on big productions throughout the city and maybe the world,” said Yuvani Santamaria, Planet Hollywood AV Technician Lead.
