In what is being described as a bold and unprecedented move, 700 hotel union workers at the Virgin Hotels casino near the Las Vegas Strip have launched a 48-hour strike in response to what they claim are unfair labor practices and inadequate working conditions.
The workers, who are members of the Culinary Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165, walked off the job early this morning, picketing outside the hotel and demanding better wages, benefits, and job security.
According to union representatives, the strike was prompted by a lack of progress in contract negotiations between the workers and the hotel management. Union officials have accused the hotel of stalling negotiations and failing to provide adequate protections for workers during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have been negotiating in good faith for months, but the hotel management has shown little regard for the well-being of its employees,” said Geoconda Argüello-Kline, secretary-treasurer of the Culinary Union. “Our members are tired of being treated like second-class citizens and are standing up for their rights.”
The strike is expected to disrupt operations at the Virgin Hotels casino, which opened just last year. With hundreds of workers off the job, hotel guests may experience delays in check-in, housekeeping services, and dining options.
In response to the strike, a spokesperson for Virgin Hotels issued a statement expressing disappointment over the union’s decision to walk out. The hotel has vowed to continue negotiations with the union and hopes to reach a resolution soon.
“We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for our guests and employees, and we are working diligently to address the concerns raised by the union,” the statement read. “We remain hopeful that we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement that meets the needs of all parties involved.”
As the strike continues, union leaders are calling on supporters to join the picket line and show solidarity with the workers. The Culinary Union has a long history of successful labor actions in Las Vegas, and the ongoing strike at the Virgin Hotels casino is expected to draw widespread attention from the local community and beyond.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the workers’ strike enters its second day and negotiations between the union and hotel management continue.
