Las Vegas, NV – On the 23rd day of the Culinary Union’s longest strike in over two decades, hundreds of union members, workers, and their families are set to march on Virgin Las Vegas to demand a fair contract for 700 hospitality workers. The march, scheduled for Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 5:00 PM, will begin at Harmon and University Center Drive and end at the casino property on 4455 Paradise Road.
A Historic Strike
This open-ended strike, which began on November 15, 2024, marks the first time in 22 years that the Culinary Union has engaged in such a prolonged labor action. Workers are fighting for a new five-year union contract, including fair wages, job security, and better working conditions.
Since the strike began, strikers have maintained 24/7 picket lines at all entrances and exits to the casino, sending a strong message to Virgin Las Vegas’s ownership: workers deserve respect, recognition, and fair compensation for their labor.
The Union’s Stance
Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer of the Culinary Union, criticized the casino’s billionaire Canadian owners for their inadequate contract proposals.
“In negotiations, Virgin Las Vegas insulted workers with an offer of essentially 30 cents per hour per year, while other hotels like the Strat and Westgate have agreed to over $4 an hour in wage increases,” said Pappageorge. “This is outrageous. If the Canadian billionaires behind Virgin Las Vegas can’t meet the union standards, they should take their ‘three dimes’ and go back to Canada. This holiday season, the Culinary Union proudly supports the strikers and their fight for a fair contract.”
Community and Political Support
The strike has drawn widespread attention and solidarity from prominent political figures and community allies.
• Dina Titus and Steven Horsford, both Nevada congressional representatives, joined workers on the picket line.
• Over the Thanksgiving holiday, the Culinary Union hosted food distributions and dinners to support striking workers and their families.
• On November 21, 2024, 57 Culinary Union members were arrested during a peaceful act of civil disobedience, further highlighting the workers’ resolve.
Who Are the Workers?
The Virgin Las Vegas workforce represents a diverse group of individuals from 23 countries, including Mexico, Ethiopia, the Philippines, and Romania. Many strikers have dedicated years to ensuring the casino’s success, and now they demand a contract that reflects their contributions.
Union Victories and Negotiation Points
The Culinary and Bartenders Unions have secured historic wins in recent contracts across Las Vegas, including:
• Wage Increases: A 10% wage increase in the first year and a total of 32% raises over five years, bringing average hourly earnings (including benefits) to $37/hour by the contract’s end.
• Reduced Workload: Stricter housekeeping quotas and daily room cleaning standards.
• Safety Protections: Expanded safety button programs and mandatory room checks to protect workers.
• Technology Protections: Guarantees for advanced notification and bargaining rights regarding new technologies, including artificial intelligence.
• Recall Rights: Ensuring workers can return to jobs during future economic crises or pandemics.
Impact on Virgin Las Vegas
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