Dozens of picketing Las Vegas culinary workers were arrested Wednesday after intentionally blocking traffic.

As the striking workers lined up on the Las Vegas Strip, dozens of members walked onto the street and sat in the middle of Las Vegas Boulevard between the Bellagio and Paris casinos.

Las Vegas police responded as traffic piled up. Authorities then arrested the members for causing a disturbance.

The members went peacefully, but not quietly. Many of the striking workers cheered loudly as they were taken away, and officers and passersby observed smiling faces among the protesters.

According to local reporting, members said the reason for the act of civil disobedience was to show the casinos that they mean business and that they’re willing to sit down in traffic for a contract.

The workers, who have been on strike since late September, are demanding the major Las Vegas casinos significantly improve pay, benefits and working conditions.

• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.