Culinary Union’s strike at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas goes into second week amidst prolonged contract negotiations

An ongoing strike at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, led by the Culinary Union, has now entered its second week as workers push for a new five-year contract and higher wages. Frustrations are mounting among the employees, with many expressing dissatisfaction over what they describe as corporate greed.

“We’ve talked with guests and people just walking by, and they all seem to support us. It’s not fair what we are dealing with, with these corporate companies not doing right by their employees,” Debra Wilby, a member of the union, told KLAS.

The situation took a dramatic turn last week, on Thursday, when the strike escalated following a staged demonstration. In an effort to deter the striking workers, Virgin Hotels constructed makeshift walls around the property to block the view of the protest from guests. The hotel also played loud music to drown out the noise of the demonstration. 

However, these tactics only seemed to amplify the situation. “They tried to make it where they drowned us out, but they just made more noise and brought more attention to us,” said Alain Lopex, a server at the hotel.

📣 Dispatch from the Strike Line: Day 1️⃣2️⃣
The contract at @VirginHotelsLV expired on June 1, 2023. The Union is maintaining 24/7 strike stations with multiple picket lines around Virgin LV.
✅ Cancel the reservation!
✅ Check out of the property!
✅Choose a union hotel! pic.twitter.com/P1w7NU7SC7

— Culinary Union (@Culinary226) November 26, 2024

Rosemarie Mecca, a cook at Virgin Hotels, stated that despite these obstacles, the workers remain resolute. “We’re still here and we got higher signs to go over their walls. We’ve resorted to being at the main entrances where they have to see us, instead of along the sidewalk,” she remarked.

While the strike has not yet resulted in a resolution, the event has brought attention to broader issues surrounding the hospitality industry and labor rights in Las Vegas. The tension between the union and Virgin Hotels comes amid a backdrop of continued labor struggles across the city. 

Last year, the Culinary Union secured new contracts with several major operators on the Las Vegas Strip, including Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts, and Caesars Entertainment, after successfully leveraging its position during high-profile events such as the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

The Culinary Union has also raised concerns over the hotel’s staffing practices, pointing out that Virgin Hotels has been hiring temporary workers at nearly double the usual pay rates to replace the striking employees. The union claims that these temporary workers are not adequately trained for the jobs they are performing, a situation that could undermine both the quality of service and workers’ rights.

The ongoing strike is especially notable as it coincided with the second annual Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, held from November 21 to 23. The event, which last year had an economic impact of $1.5 billion, saw a significantly quieter atmosphere this time around. 

This year, stakeholders expect the economic impact to fall under $1 billion, a sign that the race did not generate the same level of excitement or revenue as its inaugural edition.

Despite the potential financial impact of the strike on Virgin Hotels, the company has remained firm in its stance, accusing the union of trying to force a contract that is not financially viable. A statement from the hotel called the union’s tactics “disappointing,” accusing the leadership of using the demonstration to gain media attention. 

The company also criticized the union for consuming police resources during a busy week in Las Vegas, emphasizing that first responders should focus on the safety of the community. However, the Culinary Union is holding its ground, with no signs of backing down.