The Latest: Unionized Caesars workers in Vegas OK contract

LAS VEGAS (AP) - The Latest on the ratification of a contract covering unionized workers of Caesars Entertainment in Las Vegas (all times local):

8:23 p.m.

Twelve-thousand unionized workers at the casino-resorts operated by Caesars Entertainment in Las Vegas have a new contract.

Housekeepers, food servers, bartenders, cooks and other members of the Culinary Union on Thursday approved the new five-year agreement in two voting sessions.

The agreement includes language that protects the workers' rights in the event that the property is sold.

It covers workers on the Las Vegas Strip, including Caesars Palace and Harrah's, and the off-Strip Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino.

Harrah's food court cook Olee Stewart says he is ecstatic about the new contract. The 57-year-old says the wage increases will allow him to fulfill his goal of paying off his mortgage before he retires.

The union is now negotiating contracts with smaller companies that operate 15 properties on the Las Vegas Strip and in downtown Las Vegas.

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1:14 p.m.

Thousands of unionized workers at the casino-resorts operated by Caesars Entertainment in Las Vegas are deciding whether to approve a new contract.

Housekeepers, food servers, bartenders, cooks and other members of the Culinary Union are casting ballots Thursday to ratify a five-year agreement with provisions that address sexual harassment in the workplace, job security, wage increases and immigration status.

It would cover 12,000 workers on the Las Vegas Strip and the off-Strip Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino.

Caesars Palace housekeeper Rocio Puente says she voted in favor of ratifying the contract because it requires that all housekeepers be given a wireless device that would allow them to alert security if they are facing a threat.

The workers earlier had threatened to strike over the lack of progress in contract negotiations.