Comedian Steve Hofstetter has canceled his January 6 performance at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas's 24 Oxford venue, showing solidarity with striking hospitality workers. The show has been rescheduled for May 19 at Wise Guys Las Vegas Town Square.

Hofstetter, known for his 823K YouTube subscriber base, announced the cancellation on Facebook, citing the ongoing strike as his reason. All tickets will be automatically refunded.

The Culinary Union, representing approximately 700 striking workers, praised Hofstetter's decision. Union secretary-treasurer Ted Pappageorge called it "a courageous stand for justice and fairness," highlighting concerns about Virgin Las Vegas's treatment of workers, including threats of permanent replacement and deportation issues.

Key points of contention include:

• Virgin Las Vegas's offer of approximately 30 cents per hour in wage increases
• The union's push for contracts similar to other Las Vegas casino-hotels
• Virgin Hotels Las Vegas's claim of bad-faith bargaining by the union
• The union's rejection of the casino's binding arbitration proposal

The strike, which began November 15, continues as workers seek improved wages and benefits. The Culinary Union is encouraging other performers, customers, and conventions to boycott Virgin Hotels Las Vegas until the dispute is resolved.

The casino maintains that the union hasn't seriously considered their economic proposals or presented their latest offer to members for a vote. Meanwhile, the union insists workers should make their own decisions without third-party intervention through arbitration.

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