Las Vegas, NV – For the first time in over 22 years, the Culinary Union has initiated an open-ended strike at Virgin Las Vegas, beginning on Friday, November 15th, 2024, at 5:00 a.m. More than 700 hospitality workers are taking a stand to secure a new five-year union contract. The strike features 24/7 picket lines encircling the property as workers demand fair treatment and better wages.
The Culinary Union is calling on tourists and local allies to stand in solidarity by refusing to cross the picket line. They are encouraging customers to cancel reservations, check out of the property, opt for union-supported accommodations, and dine at union restaurants.
Key Strike Details
WHO:
• Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer, Culinary Union
• Over 700 Virgin Las Vegas workers, including guest room attendants, food servers, bartenders, porters, cooks, and kitchen staff.
WHAT:
Virgin Las Vegas on strike.
WHERE:
Virgin Las Vegas, 4455 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89169
WHY:
The contract for Virgin Las Vegas workers expired on June 1, 2023, and negotiations with management have stalled. Workers are demanding:
• Fair wage increases comparable to industry standards.
• Improved job security.
• Enhanced workplace safety and protections.
Virgin Las Vegas proposed a wage increase of just $0.30 per year over five years, far below the increases seen at other properties, such as The Strat, where non-tipped workers received more than $4.00 an hour in raises this year alone.
“Virgin’s offer is a slap in the face to hardworking hospitality professionals,” said Ted Pappageorge. “Our workers deserve first-class contracts with wages and benefits that reflect their contributions to Las Vegas’ status as the world’s premier tourist destination. The Culinary Union has been the backbone of Nevada’s middle class for 89 years, and we will not back down.”
Impact of the Strike
This labor action has disrupted operations across Virgin Las Vegas, including housekeeping and food and beverage services. Unionized restaurants impacted by the strike include:
• Casa Calavera
• Funny Library Coffee Shop
• Juice Bar
• The Bar at Commons Club
• The Kitchen at Commons Club
• The Shag Room
Union Successes and Industry Context
The Culinary Union has recently achieved historic victories for workers across Las Vegas, including:
• The largest wage increases in the union’s 89-year history, totaling $3 billion over five years.
• Protections against excessive workloads and housekeeping quotas.
• Enhanced safety measures, such as mandatory room checks and the expansion of safety buttons for workers.
• Technology protections, including advanced notification of AI-related changes, training for new roles, and compensation for tipped employees affected by tech disruptions.
• Extended recall rights, providing workers job security for up to three years in cases of economic downturns or pandemics.
Call to Action
With major events like the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix (Nov. 21-23) and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (Dec. 5-14) on the horizon, the Culinary Union is urging locals, elected officials, and tourists to stand in solidarity with striking workers. The union is asking conference organizers and visitors to avoid Virgin Las Vegas and instead support businesses that treat their workers fairly.
About Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is a lifestyle hospitality brand owned by the LiUNA Pension Fund of Eastern and Central Canada (LPFCEC), Fengate Asset Management, and Juniper Capital. The property recently secured $190 million in financing from Nuveen Green Capital, a subsidiary of TIAA, further highlighting its financial capabilities to meet workers’ demands.
Ongoing Efforts by the Culinary Union
The union has maintained continuous communication with community allies, investors, and regulators about the strike risk. They are committed to fighting for contracts that ensure fair wages, job security, and health benefits, enabling hospitality workers to thrive in one of the most demanding industries.
Background:
The Culinary Union’s last major strike occurred in 2002, lasting ten days at the Golden Gate Hotel, where workers successfully negotiated a strong union contract. Today, they continue to champion the rights of hospitality workers in their fight for justice at Virgin Las Vegas.
For more information, visit the Culinary Union’s website.
