After 69 tense days of picket lines and negotiations, workers at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and the Culinary Workers Union have reached a historic five-year contract agreement, putting an end to one of the most prolonged labor disputes in Las Vegas’s recent history.
This milestone deal, announced on Wednesday, will impact roughly 700 employees at the off-Strip property, including members of Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165. While full details remain under wraps, union leaders have confirmed that the contract includes significant pay raises, potentially matching the 32% wage increase secured by other unionized workers across the city.
A Battle for Fair Wages
For many employees, the strike represented more than just a fight for better pay—it was about equity and respect.
“We’re doing the same amount of work for less pay… the lowest-paid union casino as it stands right now,” said Lee McNamara, a cook at Virgin Hotels for over 25 years. This sentiment echoed throughout the workforce as union members refused to accept what they called a “second-class contract.”
Union Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge praised workers’ resilience during negotiations. “Workers at Virgin Hotels would not accept anything less than what they deserved,” he said. Their determination was evident as the strike persisted for over two months, a rare occurrence even in Las Vegas, a city with a strong union tradition.
24/7 Picket Lines and Public Solidarity
The strike captured significant public attention, with union members maintaining round-the-clock picket lines near the hotel. Workers even blocked traffic to amplify their demands, leading to several arrests but also garnering broader community support.
Prominent Nevada politicians, including U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Representatives Dina Titus and Steven Horsford, joined the picket lines in solidarity. Additionally, a comedian canceled a show at Virgin Hotels in protest, and the NFL Players Association pledged to boycott the casino while the strike was ongoing.
Despite Virgin Hotels hiring temporary workers to cross the picket lines, union members remained steadfast. Michael Renick, a bartender at the hotel, expressed the collective determination: “I’m ready to go for as long as I need to, and I’m pretty sure that’s how everyone else is feeling too.”
A Changing Landscape for Virgin Hotels
The resolution comes at a pivotal time for Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, which has faced financial struggles and management changes. The Nevada Gaming Commission recently approved new operators to take over casino operations from Mohegan, the tribal gaming company that had managed the property since its reopening in 2021. The transition is slated to be completed by March 2025, adding another layer of complexity to the hotel’s operations.
The previous union contract at Virgin Hotels expired in June 2023, and the protracted negotiations placed the hotel under intense scrutiny. While the new agreement represents a major victory for the union, it also signals a fresh chapter for the hotel as it seeks stability under new leadership.
Statement of Unity and Optimism
In a joint statement, the Culinary and Bartenders Unions and Virgin Hotels expressed hope for the future. “Parties are committed to the resolution of our dispute and to maintaining a union standard at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas that provides for its team members’ families and fosters a better community for all.”
This resolution marks the end of a contentious chapter, highlighting the enduring strength of unions in ensuring fair treatment for workers in Las Vegas’s competitive hospitality industry.
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