Pedro Alvarez never envisioned that his job delivering high-end meals to hotel rooms in Las Vegas would turn into a long-term career. But in a city known for luxury and extravagance, working in room service at the Tropicana Las Vegas provided stability and even good earnings for over three decades.
However, when the coronavirus pandemic brought the city to a halt, Pedro, like many hospitality workers in Nevada, lost his job. Since then, he has struggled to find steady full-time employment, bouncing between different jobs in the industry.
Nevada has faced unique challenges in its recovery from the pandemic. While the rest of the country has experienced economic rebound and a decrease in unemployment rates, Nevada has lagged behind. The state has consistently had the highest unemployment rate in the nation, currently standing at 5.4 percent compared to the national rate of 3.5 percent.
The state heavily relies on gambling, tourism, and hospitality, making it vulnerable to economic downturns. During the pandemic, the shutdowns hit the state’s major attraction, the Las Vegas Strip, hard. Unemployment in Nevada reached a staggering 30 percent in April 2020.
The situation has improved since then, with employment gradually increasing. However, Nevada still has a long way to go to fully recover. One of the main challenges is the lack of diversity in the economy, which has raised concerns among elected officials. The state is working towards diversifying its industries, with notable investments from companies like Tesla and the relocation of the Oakland Athletics to Las Vegas.
Despite the high unemployment rate, the overall upward trend in Nevada’s economy is promising for President Biden’s chances in the state in the upcoming 2024 campaign. However, a potential strike by the Culinary Workers Union could pose a challenge. The union, a significant part of Mr. Biden’s Democratic base, is demanding better pay and more full-time jobs for its members.
For individuals like Juanita Miles and Pedro Alvarez, finding stable, full-time employment has been a struggle. Juanita, who used to work as a security guard, has been piecing together various jobs to make ends meet since the pandemic hit. Pedro, despite his decades of experience in the hospitality industry, has faced challenges in securing a steady job.
Amidst the difficulties, there is a glimmer of hope. Nevada is making progress towards economic diversification and has several promising projects in the pipeline, such as the construction of a new baseball stadium, the return of Formula 1 racing, and hosting the Super Bowl in 2024. These developments, coupled with the overall recovery of the economy, could bring positive outcomes for the state and its residents.
However, it is crucial to ensure that workers are not left behind in this progress. Supporting workers like Pedro Alvarez and Juanita Miles, who have dedicated their careers to the hospitality industry, is vital for Nevada to truly overcome its struggles and find lasting success in its recovery.
Unique Perspective: With its unparalleled entertainment and tourism industry, Nevada has always been an emblem of glitz and glamour. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of relying heavily on a single sector. Nevada’s journey to recovery serves as a reminder of the importance of economic diversification. By investing in new industries and creating opportunities for its workforce, the state can build a more resilient and sustainable future.
