Bridget Martin, political director for the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, pickets against Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan in front of the Venetian on the Las Vegas Strip Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2012. Ryan was reportedly meeting privately with a small group of supporters at the casino owned by Sheldon Adelson, a billionaire and major donor to Republican campaigns.
Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2012 | 9:45 p.m.
The crowd was hard to miss outside the Venetian front entrance Tuesday night.
More than 500 AFL-CIO union workers flooded the walkway to protest Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan, who was inside the resort meeting Las Vegas Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson as part of a nonfundraising event. The union dubbed it “Crash the Coronation” and asked for members of the “middle class” to meet outside the Venetian “moat.”
Plumbers, pipe fitters, construction and government workers marched in circles objecting to the economic policies of Ryan and presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Their chants such as “Save the what? The 99 (percent),” drowned out the roar of Las Vegas Boulevard. Above their heads they hoisted signs that declared phrases such as “Romney Pathway to Poverty.”
Their efforts caused baffled stares from some pedestrians walking along the Strip and cheers from others. Protester Kristel Farris hoped that inside the hotel, Ryan took notice.
Union members picket against Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan in front of the Venetian on the Las Vegas Strip Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2012. Ryan was reportedly meeting privately with a small group of supporters at the casino owned by Sheldon Adelson, a billionaire and major donor to Republican campaigns.
“We’re here because Paul Ryan is in the building, and we want to send a message,” said Farris, who is from Portland. “I hope he looks, listens and pays attention. (Adelson’s) money will not hold back the power of the labor force.”
Darren Enns, secretary-treasurer of the Southern Nevada Building and Construction Trades Council, said it was a two-pronged protest. Local workers protested Adelson’s decision to remodel parts of his hotels with non-union workforces, while also objecting to Ryan and Romney’s financial policies on a national level.
The protest drew support from local AFL-CIO union members, as well as people from across the country attending the Boilermaker and American Federation of Government Employees national conventions.
“It’s a local issue for us that live here, and the AFGE workers were kind enough to join us,” Enns said. “With all 18 crafts in the building trades here, it has become quite the event.”
Protesters remained peaceful throughout the event, even maintaining a walkway for pedestrians. After chanting and marching for an hour, many of the union leaders in attendance grabbed a bullhorn and addressed the crowd.
Enns pointed out all the hotels and casinos the union was affiliated with on the Strip to contrast Adelson’s decision to use non-union workers. AFGE national President John Gage spoke about the impact many of Ryan’s tax cuts could have on labor workers. He emphasized his belief that they only help the rich “1 percent.”
“I think Ryan excites working Americans,” Gage said. “His policies could change the country so drastically that it wouldn’t be recognizable.”
John Gage, national president for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union, rallies members as they picket against Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan in front of the Venetian on the Las Vegas Strip Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2012. Ryan was reportedly meeting privately with a small group of supporters at the casino owned by Sheldon Adelson, a billionaire and major donor to Republican campaigns.
Bridget Martin, who is a political director for the Boilermakers, said she was impressed by the number of people who showed up despite the 100-degree weather.
“It was exciting to see so many working people come out and stand up for the values they believe in,” Martin said.
Cecile Conroy, who is also a Boilermaker union member, said the Las Vegas protest is only the start.
“I think Romney and Ryan can expect a lot more of this in working towns,” Conroy said.
The Nevada Republican Party could not be reached for comment on the protest.
In the spirit of Venice, The Venetian is a little piece of romantic Italy right here in Las Vegas. The Venetian is an "all-suite" hotel, with rooms accented with plush linens and Italian marble. The 4,027 suites are divided into two towers: The 36-story Venetian Tower that offers guests a taste of luxurious Las Vegas and the Venezia suites, which guarantee 12 floors of high-end elegance. The top five floors are the hotel's highest level of luxury with its private access, concierge lounge, upgraded features and even a dedicated staff.
Entertainment at the Venetian includes shows such as Tim and Faith - Soul2Soul, featuring Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, and Rock of Ages.
The flagship of Venetian nightlife is TAO, an ultra-hip nightclub located inside of TAO Asian Bistro. V Bar is The Venetian's super smooth ultra lounge, made by the owners of New York City's club Lotus and Los Angeles' super swank Sunset Room.
The Venetian features 19 restaurants including Thomas Keller's award-winning French restaurant Bouchon, Mario Batali's B&B Ristorante, Aquaknox for fresh seafood and the 42,000 square foot TAO Asian Bistro. There's also the food court inside the Canal Shoppes for those looking for a quick bite.
Guests can float along The Grand Canal Shops in an authentic Italian gondola ride and pass stores like Burberry and Kenneth Cole along the way. And if you haven't caught a real celeb, on the street in Vegas, you can head over to Madame Tussauds to check out a wax version.
Join the Discussion:
Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.
Full comments policy