After nearly 10 weeks, the striking union workers and management of the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas have entered into an agreement that will bring to a close the longest strike in Las Vegas, Nevada in more than a decade.
Back to Work
A unanimous vote on a five-year pact by the roughly 700 combined members of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165 ended their strike that began on November 15, 2024. The union’s demands that were deemed unreasonable by the hotel in November were essentially met when the strike concluded 69 days later.
Wage Increases and Improved Benefits
Overall, the workers will receive a 32% wage increase over the life of the contract, but a 10% bump will trigger in the first year. The average culinary worker earns $28 per hour, but by the end of the contract, that hourly rate will rise to $37, including benefits. The cost of living in Las Vegas has spiked dramatically, and other hotel workers on and around the Strip successfully negotiated similar deals before Virgin Hotels workers decided to strike.
A joint statement by the Culinary Union, Bartenders Union, and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas read as follows:
“Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165 have come to an agreement on the terms upon which they are prepared to settle their new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and the Culinary and Bartenders Unions are pleased to be moving past their contract negotiations as each looks forward to fostering a positive and collaborative working relationship for the benefit of all team members at the property. Parties are committed to the resolution of our dispute and to maintaining a union standard at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas that provides for its team members’ families and fosters a better community for all.”
Virgin Boycott
The pressure to reach an agreement by hotel management not only dealt with union picketers outside the premises, who were highly conspicuous to guests and tourists alike, but also boycotts from entertainers like comedian John Oliver, who canceled his performance at the hotel in solidarity with the union workers.
The NFL Players Association also issued a statement in support of the union strike, saying, “We stand with the Culinary Union in their fight for a fair contract. Until the strike is resolved, we commit to not sleep, eat, or drink at Virgin Las Vegas and encourage our fans and fellow athletes to do the same.”
Moreover, the USC football team tried to find alternative accommodations before their Las Vegas Bowl date against Texas A&M at the home of the Raiders, Allegiant Stadium, but another option could not be found.
The statement read, “We are very disappointed that, during what should be a celebratory event for our hard-working football team, USC has been placed in the middle of an ongoing labor dispute as a result of a decision made by the Las Vegas Bowl several months ago. Since learning about the strike by hospitality workers, USC has repeatedly asked the Bowl for viable hotel alternatives so that our team would not have to cross a picket line. Unfortunately, the Bowl has been unable to change hotels on such short notice.”
