Tropicana, Culinary Agree On Contract

After more than a year of negotiations, the Tropicana Hotel and Culinary Union have reached a new labor agreement. Both sides reportedly agreed to the tentative deal earlier today, although no details have been released. A union spokeswoman said the agreement is similar to those with other Las Vegas Strip resorts. Workers will vote on the contract Friday. The Tropicana was the last Strip property that hadn't come to terms on a new deal with the Culinary. About 750 Tropicana employees have been working on an extended contract since the old one expired in May 2007. The two sides returned to the bargaining table today for the first time since early May, when the hotel's parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. On Thursday, the state Gaming Commission is expected to consider approval of four new board members for the Tropicana, who would take control of the resort.