In a bold move to demand better working conditions and fair treatment, 700 hotel union workers at the Virgin Hotels casino near the Las Vegas Strip have launched a two-day strike. The workers, who are members of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and the Bartenders Union Local 165, are protesting against what they say are unfair labor practices and low wages.
The strike, which began at 6 a.m. on Thursday morning, has caused disruptions at the Virgin Hotels casino as well as at the adjacent Mohegan Sun casino. The workers are picketing outside the hotels, carrying signs that read “Fair wages now” and “Respect your workers.”
One worker, Maria Rodriguez, a housekeeper at the Virgin Hotels casino, said that she and her colleagues are tired of being mistreated and underpaid. “We work hard every day to make sure the guests have a pleasant stay, but we are not being treated with the respect we deserve,” she said. “We deserve fair wages and better working conditions.”
The union workers are calling on management to address a number of issues, including increasing wages, providing better health and safety protocols, and respecting workers’ rights to organize. They are also demanding an end to what they say are retaliatory actions against workers who speak out against the conditions at the casino.
In response to the strike, a spokesperson for Virgin Hotels said that the company is committed to working with the union to address their concerns. “We respect the right of our employees to voice their concerns, and we are in ongoing discussions with the union to find a resolution,” the spokesperson said.
The strike at the Virgin Hotels casino comes as the hospitality industry in Las Vegas is experiencing a boom in business following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. With tourists returning to the city in droves, hotel workers are increasingly feeling the strain of long hours and low pay.
As negotiations continue between the union and management, the workers say they are prepared to strike for as long as it takes to achieve their demands. “We are standing strong and united,” said Rodriguez. “We will not back down until our voices are heard and our rights are respected.”
