Ongoing Virgin Hotels Strike Leads to 57 Arrests
The strike by Culinary Local 226 union workers at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas isn't going as smoothly as have some previous strikes. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, a number of union employees were arrested on November 21 during a protest in front of the property.
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas employees strike outside the venue. (Source: Nevada Independent)
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The demonstration, characterized as an act of civil disobedience, took place on Paradise Road near the resort casino, which is located about a mile east of the Las Vegas Strip. Among those arrested were union leaders, including Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge and President Diana Valles, who participated in blocking traffic as part of the nonviolent action aimed at drawing attention to the ongoing labor strike.
Related: Virgin Las Vegas Workers Announce Strike amid Failed NegotiationsThe strike at Virgin Hotels, which is now in its seventh day, involves members of both Culinary Local 226 and Bartenders Local 165 unions. Workers are demanding raises and have expressed dissatisfaction with management's economic proposals, which they claim do not meet their expectations.
The unions have urged customers and community members to honor the picket line and avoid patronizing the property until a resolution is reached. Despite months of intermittent negotiations, the two sides remain far apart, and no new meetings have been scheduled to address the dispute.
Union representatives have stated that workers are committed to continuing the strike until their demands are met. The labor group has criticized management for failing to finalize a new five-year contract for the approximately 700 non-gaming employees represented by Culinary Local 226 at the property.
The previous contract expired in June 2023, and negotiations have been ongoing for more than a year without resolution. The union has emphasized the need for Virgin Hotels to meet workers' demands, calling the stalled talks a critical issue for their members.
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Leveraging the Las Vegas Grand Prix
The strike coincides with the high-profile Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix, an event expected to draw significant crowds to the city. Virgin Hotels is located near key event facilities, including a designated ride-share drop-off area and promotional event spaces.
This proximity has heightened the potential for the strike to disrupt operations during one of the busiest weekends in Las Vegas. Union leaders have highlighted the timing as an opportunity to amplify their message, while management has accused the union of staging the arrests for media attention.
Virgin Hotels management released a statement ahead of the demonstration, characterizing the planned arrests as theatrics rather than a genuine effort to engage in negotiations. The company has urged union leadership to allow members to vote on the most recent economic proposal, which they argue is a fair offer.
Management expressed disappointment in the union's tactics, accusing them of failing to engage in good-faith bargaining. This marks the second time in recent months that arrests have occurred during a protest at the property; a similar demonstration in August also resulted in about two dozen arrests.
The strike and associated protests are the latest chapter in a broader dispute between the Culinary Union and Virgin Hotels. Culinary spokesperson Bethany Khan confirmed to the Las Vegas Review-Journal that negotiations remain stalled, with no progress made toward a new agreement. Workers have pledged to maintain their picket line and continue advocating for their demands until a satisfactory resolution is reached.
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