Virgin Hotels labor strike intensifies with 57 workers arrested in Las Vegas

Las Vegas police arrested 57 striking workers from Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on Thursday during a protest organized by the Culinary Union. The workers, who walked off their jobs as part of a week-long strike, demonstrated on Paradise Road and blocked traffic in a bid to highlight stalled negotiations over a new five-year union pay contract.  

The Culinary Union, which represents hospitality workers in the city, confirmed the arrests, including those of its top leadership, President Diana Valles and Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge.

Videos shared by the union on X (formerly Twitter) showed members sitting in the street in a “civil disobedience” demonstration, as police moved in to make arrests.  

Culinary Union workers and leadership at @VirginHotelsLV were arrested tonight. Virgin LV workers are fighting for fair union contract. #NoContractNoPeace https://t.co/WiSD4XdRVd

— Culinary Union (@Culinary226) November 22, 2024

“Culinary Union members on strike outside @VirginHotelsLV while Culinary Union members are getting arrested in non-violent civil disobedience,” the union posted.  

The strike coincides with the highly anticipated Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix, which has drawn international attention to the city. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, located about a mile from the Las Vegas Strip, is deeply integrated into the event, serving as a designated ride-share drop-off zone and hosting promotional activities.  

The ongoing labor dispute has raised concerns about potential disruptions to the high-profile event, although Las Vegas police confirmed that the road near the hotel reopened shortly after the arrests.  

Union members, including workers from the Culinary and Bartenders Local 165, have been advocating for wage increases and better economic terms since their contract expired in June 2023. The group has accused Virgin Hotels management of failing to present sufficient proposals during the year-long negotiations.  

“The company has held more than a year without a contract — now it’s time for Virgin to step up!” the Culinary Union stated on X.  

The union has urged patrons and community members to honor the picket line until an agreement is reached. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas employs an estimated 700 non-gaming workers covered by the union's contract.  

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, owned by JC Hospitality, Juniper Capital Partners, Virgin Group, and others, criticized the protest and labeled the arrests as a “media stunt.” In a statement issued before the demonstration, the hotel urged union leaders to allow members to vote on the company’s most recent economic proposal.  

“It is disappointing that Culinary Union leaders are prepared to spend their own members’ resources on fake arrests, rather than engaging in constructive good faith bargaining — something they have not yet done,” the hotel said.  

This marks the second high-profile protest at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas in recent months, following a similar demonstration in August that also resulted in arrests.  

Negotiations remain at a standstill, with no further meetings scheduled as of Thursday, according to Culinary Union spokesperson Bethany Khan. Virgin Hotels has not commented on the recent arrests or ongoing labor dispute.