Culinary Union prepares to strike at Virgin Las Vegas over contract negotiations

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Virgin Hotels Las Vegas described a meeting with the Culinary Union as "disappointing" on Thursday. The two met to address concerns over a tentative agreement for a union contract. In the end, no agreement could be made.

On Thursday evening, the Culinary Union released the following update on its X account.

"Tonight, negotiations with Virgin Hotels Las Vegas ended with the company putting an economic offer on the table that was miles apart. The company's offer was an insult to workers who voted unanimously to refuse to settle for a second-class contract. STRIKE: Friday at 5 a.m.!"

According to the Culinary Union, 700 hospitality workers at the hotel have pushed for a new 5-year contract. The previous contract expired on June 1, 2023, according to Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer for the Culinary Union.

Culinary Union threatens strike at Virgin Las Vegas over contract negotiations

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas released the following statement on Thursday night.

"It is disappointing that the Culinary Union (the Union) ended today's requested meeting without engaging in meaningful bargaining with Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Today, in an attempt to address the Union's concerns, we proposed bringing forward a portion of the wage increase that was previously proposed for years four and five so that there are no longer zero increases in the first three years. Again, the Union chose to engage in 'take it or leave it' bargaining, refusing to move off of a position that it knows is not economically viable for our off-Strip property and that would negatively impact all hotel team members. When we concluded our most recent meeting on July 11, the ball was in the Union's court. We did not hear from the Union until November 8 – after it had already set a strike deadline of November 15. After we waited several months for the Union to respond to our June proposal and return to the table, their unconstructive approach and bad faith bargaining today was another disappointment. Our dedication to our team members' well-being and achieving sustainable performance at our property remains steadfast, and we are fully committed to finding a fair resolution that is in their best interest." – Virgin Hotels Las Vegas