Culinary Union’s strike at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas continues into its 2nd day
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Day two of the Culinary Workers Union's strike was in full effect outside of the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Saturday as 700 union workers took to the streets to fight for better pay.
The Culinary Union and Virgin Hotels are still at odds after a meeting was held to address concerns over a tentative agreement for a union contract. However, in the end, no agreement could be made.
"It's unfair, with different departments, they're pulling in people from outside and paying them close to double of our hourly wage so if they can do that, why can't they just give us what we're asking for?" union worker Debbie told 8 News Now.
Those protesting said they want comparable wages to their counterparts on the Strip.
"What they expect is for the company to settle the same contract like the Stratosphere and Sahara. The standard contract of the Las Vegas strip. This company has plenty of money so they could settle a contract now," Secretary-treasurer of the Culinary Workers Union Ted Pappageorge said.
The bargaining between the hotel the its union workers has lasted for nearly a year and a half as the previous contract expired on June 1, 2023, according to Pappageorge. Union workers like Micheal Smith, who already works two jobs said he is tired of just getting by.
"People are literally living check to check or less than and even government assistance isn't helping and you can only make so much to qualify for government assistance and even then, you're still not able to make ends meet so it's a struggle everywhere we turn," Smith told 8 News Now.
On Saturday evening Virgin Hotels Las Vegas released the following statement thanking the individuals who applied to fill shortages resulting from the strike:
On November 15, day one of the Culinary Workers Union 226 (Culinary Union) strike, more than 350 individuals lined up to apply to fill any shortages resulting from the strike. Today, on day two of the strike, 310 people showed up to apply.
Applicants included a mix of those seeking temporary employment, and contract workers from various agencies. We were overwhelmed with interest and, unfortunately, had to turn away 100 people.
Many of the individuals applying to work with Virgin Hotels Las Vegas had been laid off by other properties following their acceptance of the Culinary Union's economically unsustainable contract.
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is grateful for the dedication and professionalism of all team members, and to all new applicants for their support.
The entire Virgin Hotels Las Vegas team is ready to provide the exceptional guest experience we are known for.
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas remains focused on reaching a reasonable agreement that benefits all 1,710 team members. We urge the Culinary Union to let their members vote on our proposal.
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
