Last November, thousands of union workers in Las Vegas won wage increases at resorts operated by MGM, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts. Earlier this year, union workers in the city won further contracts to increase wages at resorts including Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino, Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas, and Circus Casino. On November 21, 2024, the workers at Virgin Hotel walked off the job as the Formula 1 Grand Prix began due to negotiations with management failing.
The Culinary and Bartenders Union Local 226, more commonly known as the Culinary Union, had their last contract with Virgin Las Vegas ended in June 2023, and negotiations had stalled up to the walkout. While Virgin claimed that the union’s demands “were economically unviable”, the union pushed for a similar contract won by workers at other Las Vegas businesses Per Treasure-Secretary Ted Pappageorge, Virgin’s proposals worked out to:
“An estimated $0.30 per year to wages over five years after deducting money for benefits, compared to non-tipped workers at [Las Vegas property] The Strat, who received over $4.00 an hour in wage increases this year alone. Virgin Las Vegas’ proposal is miles apart and insults every worker — which is why the committee voted unanimously to refuse to settle for a second-class contract.”
The local went on strike for nearly 70 days, with a 24-hour picket line impacting housekeeping, food and beverage, and restaurants on the property. The hotel also arrested workers for “trespassing,” even though they worked at the hotel. On January 25, 2025, an agreement was reached between the union and Virgin Las Vegas. The new 5-year contract with workers will see a 10% wage hike in the first year, with the rest of the pay increases coming over the remaining years of the contract the LA Times reported. The contract brings workers in line with similar workers on the Las Vegas strip.
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