Hospitality workers at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas initiated their first open-ended strike in over 22 years, beginning Friday at 5 a.m. PT. Approximately 700 workers, including guest room attendants, servers, porters, cooks, and other staff, have been working without a contract since June 2023.

The Culinary Union is seeking a five-year agreement that includes:

• Fair wage increases
• Reduced workload
• Safety improvements
• Protection from technology implementation
• Enhanced job security

Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer of the Culinary Union, stated that Virgin Las Vegas' current proposal is "miles apart" and called it "an insult to every worker." The union has successfully negotiated 32% wage increases over five years, including 10% in the first year, at other Las Vegas properties.

The strike timing coincides with the upcoming Formula 1 Las Vegas race scheduled for November 21-23. The union has requested customers to avoid the property, cancel reservations, and dine elsewhere during the strike.

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas management, owned by JC Hospitality, LLC, claims the union is not engaging in "meaningful bargaining" and has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board. Management states they proposed bringing forward wage increases from years four and five to address the current zero increases in the first three years.

This action follows previous labor disputes at the property, including a two-day strike in May and an August protest where 23 workers and union leaders were arrested during nonviolent civil disobedience.

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