LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – For the second time this year, Culinary Union workers are on strike at Virgin Hotels.
The strike began Friday at 5 a.m. after the latest round of negotiations failed, leaving the union and off-strip property “disappointed.”
The last time the Culinary Union held a strike outside the hotel, the action had a hard limit of only two days.
The union says Friday’s action is the first open-ended strike in the last 22 years, which means it can last until a deal is reached or it is called off. The most recent open-ended strike happened at the Golden Gate in 2002.
“In negotiations, the company’s proposal works out to an estimated $0.47 per year to wages over five years after deducting money for benefits,” Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge said in a statement. “…Compared to non-tipped workers at The Strat, who received over $4.00 an hour in wage increases this year alone! The Virgin Las Vegas’ proposal is miles apart and is an insult to every worker – which is why the committee voted unanimously to refuse to settle for a second-class contract.”
FOX5 reached out to Virgin Hotels for a statement following the start of the strike. However, a spokesperson directed us to their most recent statement, emphasizing their disappointment with the collapse of the latest discussions.
The union continues to urge valley visitors and residents alike to not cross the picket line, cancel any reservations, and stay at a union-accommodating property instead.
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