Pedro Alvarez never imagined his high school job delivering filet mignon and sautéed lobster tail to rooms at the Tropicana Las Vegas would turn into a longtime career.
But in a city that sells itself as a place to disappear into decadence, if for only a weekend, providing room service to tourists along the Strip proved to be a stable job, at times even a lucrative one, for more than 30 years.
“Movie stars and thousands of dollars in tips,” Mr. Alvarez, 53, said. “If it was up to me, I was never going to leave.”
However, when the Strip closed down during the pandemic, Mr. Alvarez, like tens of thousands of other hospitality workers in Nevada, lost his job. The reopening of the hotel did not bring his job back, as the management decided to discontinue room service for the time being. Since then, he has been working various jobs in concessions and banquets.
“It’s been an uphill climb to find full-time work,” he said.
Nevada is facing unique challenges in its recovery from the pandemic. While the rest of the U.S. economy has been bouncing back and experiencing growth, Nevada has been left behind.
The unemployment rate in Nevada has remained stubbornly high compared to the national average. With its heavy reliance on gambling, tourism, and hospitality, Nevada’s lack of economic diversity has made it more vulnerable to the effects of the pandemic. At its peak, the state’s unemployment rate reached a staggering 30 percent.
Although the situation has improved since then, with employment rates increasing, Nevada still has a long way to go to fully recover. The state’s high unemployment rate presents a paradox, as it is experiencing rapid job gains but struggles with higher unemployment compared to other states.
The overreliance on leisure and hospitality in Nevada has taken a toll on the state’s economy. The decline in international travel, particularly from China and the United Kingdom, has further exacerbated the situation. The impact is evident in the reduced number of hospitality workers in the city, estimated to be around 20 percent lower than pre-pandemic levels.
To address the challenges, Governor Joe Lombardo believes in diversifying the state’s economy and investing in workforce development and training. The announcement of Tesla’s investment in the Gigafactory and the potential relocation of the Oakland Athletics to Las Vegas are positive signs of progress. Additionally, upcoming major events like the Las Vegas Grand Prix and the Super Bowl bring hope for growth and job opportunities.
Despite the high unemployment rate, the overall trend of economic improvement in Nevada benefits President Biden’s chances in the state for the 2024 campaign.
However, there is a potential complication in the form of a contract negotiation between the Culinary Workers Union Local 226, representing hotel workers, and major hotels. The union is pushing for pay raises and more full-time job opportunities, and they have the potential to impact the economic and political landscape in Nevada.
For individuals like Juanita Miles, finding stable employment has been a challenge. The pandemic forced her to switch jobs and adapt to new industries. She remains hopeful but acknowledges the financial tightrope she is walking.
Amidst the struggles, the resilience of workers like Pedro Alvarez and Juanita Miles is evident. They continue to search for opportunities and work hard to support themselves and their families.
The challenges faced by Nevada are not insurmountable. With strategic planning, diversification of industries, and investment in workforce development, the state can find success and recover from the setbacks caused by the pandemic.
Nevada has the potential to transform itself into a resilient and dynamic economy that thrives beyond just gambling and tourism. By creating opportunities in sectors like technology, renewable energy, and entertainment, the state can build a more sustainable future.
It is essential for Nevada’s leaders to prioritize economic diversification and provide support for workers during this crucial time. By doing so, they can ensure that no one gets left behind in the recovery.
Perspective: Nevada’s struggles in the recovery after the pandemic highlight the importance of economic diversification and resilience. While the state heavily relies on industries like gambling and tourism, the pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of this narrow focus. Moving forward, Nevada must invest in diversifying its economy, exploring new industries, and providing opportunities for its workforce. By doing so, the state can create a more stable and sustainable future for its residents, ensuring they are not left behind in times of crisis.
