Several hundred Culinary Union members went on strike at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas after failed negotiations with management. The strike began at 5 a.m. PT on Friday, and picket lines are set up around the clock at the property. The workers, including guest room attendants, servers, porters, cooks, bartenders, and kitchen staff, have been without a contract since June 1, 2023.
The union is seeking a five-year agreement that includes fair wage increases, reduced workload, safety improvements, protections from technology implementation, and improved job security. They believe that the current proposal from Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is inadequate and insulting to the workers, which is why they have decided to strike.
This strike marks the first open-ended strike in over 22 years by the Culinary Union. In the past, the union has successfully negotiated significant wage increases for workers on the Las Vegas Strip. However, they are facing challenges with Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, as negotiations have not been progressing well.
In response to the strike, the union has asked customers to avoid entering the property, cancel reservations, check out, and eat elsewhere. The union is determined to fight for a contract that secures a better future for their families and ensures fair treatment for all workers.
Management at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has accused the union of not negotiating in good faith and has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board. They claim to have made proposals to address the workers’ demands, but the union has been uncooperative in the bargaining process.
Despite the management’s claims, the union remains steadfast in their commitment to achieving a fair resolution that benefits their members. The workers at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas are standing united in their fight for a first-class contract that recognizes their contributions and provides them with a secure and sustainable future.
