Vergiels calls for Frontier mediation

Bob Shemeliglan

Thursday, Jan. 29, 1998 | 11:32 a.m.

Senate Majority Leader John Vergiels wants a neutral party to help settle the seven-month Frontier strike, and an official of striking CuIinary Local 226 agrees this could be a good idea. Vergiels plans to ask both sides to submit to arbitration or mediation to settle the seven-month-long strike.

"The total breakdown in talks in the strike between the Frontier and the unions is hurting everyone in this valley," Vergiels said "The hotel has a right to a contact that it can live with, but the workers have rights, too. "

Vergiels said he and other officials, who have formed Nevadans for Labor Peace, are concerned about the impact of the strike on the image of Las Vegas and on the welfare of local residents.

He added that the duration and the nature of the strike have necessitated "extraordinary measures."

The strike has been marked by bitterness and tenacity on both aides. These days, the front of the hotel looks more like a littered and barricaded battlefield than a resort, and striking Culinary workers continue to verbally assault tourists and others who cross the picket line.

For months, striking workers have vowed to fight to the bitter end, but on Thursday, Scott MacKenzie political action coordinator Culinary Local 226 said hiring an outside arbitrator or mediator is a good idea.

"I think it's time to put a stop to it. We'll see who's being reasonable and who's not," MacKenzie said, but he added that he does Dot believe Frontier executives will go for the idea.

"No, they are are hell-bent on destroying this union, and they don't care what it does to this community," MacKenzie said. "I applaud Senator Vergiels for doing this. Everyone knows this can't continue, and I think the union is more than willing to go to binding arbitration."

Neither Frontier General manager Tom Elardi nor his attorney, Steve Cohen, could be reached for comment Thursday.

But in the past Elardi has steadfastly denied that he would consider arbitration or mediation.

"It's always the same story: sign or shut down, and I don't believe that's the definition of negotiation," Elardi said recently.