Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

MGM Mirage says strike will not delay project

This week's 24-hour strike over unsafe working conditions at CityCenter had gaming analysts on Wall Street speculating about how the job action would affect casino giant MGM Mirage's standing in the financial markets -- and its ability to finish the project on time.

A company spokesman said today that MGM Mirage was not concerned about any construction setbacks. Subcontractors are reporting today to general contractor Perini Building Co. on any possible delays, said spokesman Alan Feldman. CityCenter is expected to open in phases in late 2009.

"Because it was of such short duration and we have so much time to go, I think whatever impact there may be the (subcontractors) will find a way to make up for it," Feldman said.

MGM Mirage also downplayed any damage to its image after tourists mingled with union picketers holding signs that read "UNSAFE JOB SITE."

"Had this been something that had gone on for months, we would probably be taking that into account," Feldman said. "The reality of this ­ and both parties acknowledged it -- is that in spite of what the signs may have said, the unions, the subcontractors and Perini all care about (safety) passionately.

"This was about working out some language instead of having a substantive difference of opinion," Feldman said. "The shortness of this also drives home that point."

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