Several members of the Culinary Union are facing trespass charges after staging a protest at the Virgin Las Vegas hotel on Thursday. The demonstration, organized by the union, was held to demand that the hotel prioritize worker safety and fair treatment.
The protest began outside the hotel, with union members waving signs and chanting slogans. It quickly escalated when some members made their way into the hotel lobby and began disrupting operations. Security guards quickly intervened and attempted to remove the protestors, leading to a scuffle.
Police were called to the scene and several union members were arrested and charged with trespassing. The Culinary Union has stated that they stand by their members and will provide legal assistance for those facing charges.
The union has been in negotiations with Virgin Las Vegas for several months, pushing for improved health and safety protocols, better pay and benefits for workers, and job security. They have accused the hotel of failing to take adequate precautions to protect employees during the COVID-19 pandemic and have called for stronger measures to ensure a safe working environment.
In response to the protest, Virgin Las Vegas released a statement saying that they are committed to working with the union to address their concerns and find a resolution that benefits all parties. They emphasized that the safety and well-being of their employees is their top priority and that they take any allegations of mistreatment seriously.
The Culinary Union represents over 60,000 workers in the hospitality industry in Las Vegas, including housekeepers, servers, cooks, and bartenders. They have a long history of advocating for workers’ rights and have successfully negotiated fair contracts for their members in the past.
The protest at Virgin Las Vegas is just the latest in a series of actions the union has taken to pressure employers to improve working conditions for their members. As the hospitality industry continues to rebound from the pandemic, it is clear that the Culinary Union will not back down in their fight for a better future for workers in Las Vegas.