Culinary Union plans civil disobedience arrest action as Virgin Las Vegas strike continues

For the first time in 22 years, the Union pulled workers out of the property to begin an open-ended strike on November 15.

Culinary Union 226 has announced that the group is planning a civil disobedience arrest action at Virgin Las Vegas on November 21 as the fight continues for a new five-year Union contract. 

The Culinary Union began its strike on November 15, representing the first time the Union had to pull workers out of a property since 2002 when it last held a strike at the Golden Gate in Downtown Las Vegas. The strike lasted for 10 days and resulted in a strong Union contract for the workers. 

The civil disobedience arrest action planned at Virgin Las Vegas will take place at 5:30pm local time, with 24/7 picket lines currently surrounding the property. Hospitality workers are pushing to win a new five-year Union contract that would cover over 700 employees. 

“The contract at Virgin Las Vegas expired on June 1, 2023 and workers are fighting for a new contract that secures a better future for their families, that’s why the Culinary Union has taken workers out on strike at the Virgin Las Vegas on November 15th and urges Las Vegas locals and customers to not cross the strike line in solidarity with the workers,” Culinary Union 226 Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge said. 

“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. Workers at Virgin Las Vegas deserve a first-class contract with fair wage increases, and they are on strike to win it. As Virgin Las Vegas workers remain on strike, the Culinary Union has their back every step of the way and we will win.”

Good to know: A protest held on August 30 outside Virgin Las Vegas resulted in the arrest of almost two dozen Culinary Union members

The Culinary Union also condemned Virgin Las Vegas for hiring temporary “scab” workers, or employees off the street, to clean guest rooms, work in the hotel, cook meals and serve guests drinks during the strike.

As Las Vegas prepares to host its second-annual Formula One Grand Prix from November 21-23, the Culinary Union continues to put pressure on Virgin Las Vegas to meet its demands in a new contract. 

Kirk Geller

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