The Culinary Union Arranges a 48-Hour Work Stoppage at Virgin Las Vegas.
UPDATE: On Thursday, Virgin Las Vegas released a statement claiming that the Culinary Union is not engaging in good-faith negotiations. They have filed an unfair labor practice charge against the union and urged Culinary officials to meet with them at their earliest convenience. In case of a strike beginning on Friday, Virgin Las Vegas vowed to employ legal measures to maintain operations and provide top-notch customer service.
The Culinary Union intends to initiate a temporary strike beginning on Friday, involving around 700 hospitality workers of the Virgin Las Vegas. The strike, set to last from 5 a.m. on Friday until 5 a.m. on Sunday, features a picket line at the property.
The expiration of the contract at Virgin Las Vegas occurred in June 2023, yet workers have since been working without a deal. The union has thus announced a 48-hour strike at Virgin Las Vegas and actively encourages the community and customers to avoid crossing the picket line. Against this backdrop, Ted Pappageorge, the secretary-treasurer of the Culinary Union, voiced his support for the striking workers: “The Culinary Union has called for a 48-hour strike at the Virgin Las Vegas as workers are still working without a contract following its expiration.”
"Workers at Virgin Las Vegas deserve fair wage increases, and they're organized and prepared to strike for them,” added Pappageorge.
The walkout encompasses not only the hotel but also the restaurants and bars at the venue. The affected establishments include: Casa Calavera, Funny Library Coffee Shop, Juice Bar, The Bar at Commons Club, The Kitchen at Commons Club, and The Shag Room.
Scheduled for Tuesday, a meeting between representatives of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226, the Bartenders Union Local 165, and management at Virgin Las Vegas is set to take place during contract negotiations. Specifically, the union seeks higher salaries and improved healthcare, a reduced workload, job security, and enhanced rights. "I'm prepared to strike because I'm fighting for myself, my family, and my co-workers,” added Isabel Gonzalez, a guest room attendant at the property, echoing the sentiments of her fellow union members.
The Culinary Union has previously threatened strikes in Las Vegas, but successfully negotiated labor agreements with independent properties and large companies, including Wynn Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and MGM Resorts International last November. At that time, the union secured a 10% wage increase for employees in the first year, along with 32% raises across the life of the contract. Other gains were also achieved for members.
It's worth noting that the last hospitality workers' strike in Las Vegas took place in 2002, lasting for 10 days at the Golden Gate property in Downtown.
- Timeframe: 48 hours, starting Friday, 5:00 a.m. to Sunday, 5:00 a.m.
- Picket Line: To take place in front of the property.
- Raising Awareness: Asking the community and customers not to cross the strike line.
- Negotiations: Union-management meeting on Tuesday, September 19th.
- Union Goals: Achieving improvements in salary, healthcare, workload, job security, and rights.
- Previously Thwarted Strikes: Successful negotiations during 2022 saved several companies from potential strikes.
- Industry History: The last hospitality workers' strike in Las Vegas in 2002 lasted 10 days and impacted Golden Gate Casino.
- Achievements: Workers secured a 10% wage increase in their first year, totaling 32% raises throughout the length of the contract.
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Source: www.casino.org
