I think it's premature to gauge the staying power of this demonstration. This picketing may have just been a show in support for the AFL-CIO convention in town. If the picketing is still going as strong in 90 days, then it might be someting to be concerned about for the Palms. Just because labor says it wants a contract is not an automatic reason to settle, IMO.

The Palms had something like 20+ appplications for each opening during a strong labor market pre-Sept. 11. There are even more folks seeking jobs now vs. pre Sept. 11. Maloof has reputation as a pretty good & fair boss. If the compensation figures in the article are correct, then the only thing to change with a contract would be less take-home pay after deducting union dues. I remember a pre-opening quote from Maloof that said "let the workers decide" when asked about the prospect of a union(s).

Though I have no particular insights on where this will wind up, if I were setting a betting line, I would make the house as the favorite.

(This is not a union bashing opinion; just my view of the situation.)