Weeks-long strike continues at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas as negotiations stall  

The workers’ strike at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, led by Culinary Workers Union Local 226, continues into the new year with no resolution in sight. The strike, which began on November 15, followed months of stalled negotiations over a new five-year contract for approximately 700 non-gaming Culinary members. Their previous agreement expired in June 2023.

Over the weekend, union members picketed outside the hotel-casino on Paradise Road, holding signs and chanting slogans. In response, a company-operated electronic sign displayed the message, “Respond to our request to arbitrate.” The union has rejected management’s call for third-party arbitration, heightening the already tense standoff.

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas management has argued that the union’s demands are economically unfeasible and has accused the labor group of failing to negotiate in good faith. Meanwhile, the union has maintained its position, stating that arbitration does not address the core issues at hand.

The strike has drawn attention from various sectors, impacting the hotel’s reputation and operations. Over the weekend, the University of Southern California’s football team, the Trojans, stayed at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas ahead of their Las Vegas Bowl appearance at Allegiant Stadium. 

While the Trojans won the game, their decision to cross the picket line prompted criticism. In a statement, team officials expressed support for labor rights while faulting the bowl game organizers for putting the team in the middle of the ongoing labor dispute.

RELEASE: This week, Comedian Steve Hofstetter announced the cancellation of his January 4th show at @VirginHotelsLV, citing solidarity w/hundreds of Culinary Union members on strike. Culinary Union calls on customers & entertainers to follow Steve's lead.https://t.co/2mvp4ypc15 pic.twitter.com/IjJtEuPW5f

— Culinary Union (@Culinary226) December 31, 2024

Adding to the mounting pressure, comedian Steve Hofstetter announced the cancellation of his January show at Virgin’s 24 Oxford venue. In a Facebook post on Sunday, Hofstetter expressed his solidarity with the striking workers.

“I was hoping the strike would be settled by now, but it isn’t,” he wrote. “And so in solidarity with the striking culinary workers, I am canceling my January show at the Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas.”

Virgin Hotels’ management has yet to release a detailed public response to Hofstetter’s cancellation or the union’s continued picketing.

In 2023, 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, late last year, 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.