Virgin Las Vegas Workers Not Backing Down as Strike Completes Second Week
The strike at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, led by Culinary Workers Union Local 226, has entered its second week, marking the union's longest labor action in over 20 years. Hospitality workers at the resort casino, located just east of the Las Vegas Strip, walked off their jobs on November 15, with no resolution in sight as negotiations between the union and management remain stalled.
Virgin Las Vegas workers continue to strike outside the property. (Source: The Nevada Independent)
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The dispute centers on wage increases and contract terms for approximately 700 non-gaming workers. Union Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge stated that the striking workers remain resolute as the Thanksgiving holiday passes, highlighting the strength of their commitment.
Related: Virgin Las Vegas Workers Announce Strike amid Failed NegotiationsThe strike follows months of sporadic negotiations aimed at reaching a new five-year agreement after the previous contract expired in June 2023. This labor action is one of two limited strikes called by the union in recent months, underscoring ongoing tensions between Virgin Hotels management and its workforce.
The union is demanding wage increases that align with recent settlements at other unionized Las Vegas properties. Officials have called on Virgin's ownership group, including JC Hospitality LLC, Juniper Capital Partners, Virgin Group and others, to adopt what the union refers to as "Las Vegas standards." These standards have resulted in raises of more than $4 an hour for workers at properties such as the Strat and Westgate, increases the union argues are necessary to address the region's rising cost of living.
Virgin Hotels management, however, contends that the requested increases are financially unsustainable and has accused the union of negotiating in bad faith. According to Pappageorge, the company's proposal offers an average raise of just 30 cents per hour over the duration of the contract, which the union finds unacceptable. He stated that Virgin Hotels must either meet industry standards for pay or reconsider its presence in the Las Vegas market.
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Protests Heat Up
To amplify their message, Culinary workers have undertaken various actions to draw public and political attention to their strike, with US Representative Steven Horsford joined workers on the picket line earlier this week. Union members have also announced plans to speak at an upcoming Clark County Commission meeting, where they intend to urge Formula One owners to end an agreement permitting a ride-share drop-off location for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Additionally, the union staged a demonstration on November 21 in which 57 workers blocked traffic on Paradise Road in a nonviolent protest. Police detained and cited the participants for the disruption.
In response, Virgin Hotels has employed temporary workers to maintain operations during the strike. While management has declined to disclose the number of replacements hired, it defended its decision to use these workers, dismissing the union's criticism. A spokesperson for the property reiterated that there has been no change in the company's stance on the union's negotiation tactics.
The Culinary Workers Union's last major strike of this length occurred in 2002 at the Golden Gate casino, lasting 10 days. With no immediate resolution in sight, the Virgin Hotels strike continues to draw attention to the broader challenges facing Las Vegas hospitality workers in securing fair wages and working conditions.
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