Culinary Union workers at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas have ended a 69-day strike after reaching a five-year contract agreement. The settlement concludes one of the city’s longest labor disputes in decades and impacts around 700 employees at the off-Strip property. The strike had started on November 15 of last year, and included a civil obedience action.
The Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165 announced the deal on Wednesday. The unions, which represent approximately 60,000 workers across Las Vegas and Reno, highlighted that the agreement ensures a “union standard” to support workers’ families and strengthen the community.
Key Details of the Agreement
While full contract details remain undisclosed, union leaders confirmed the agreement includes substantial pay raises. These increases may align with the 32% wage boost recently secured by other union members in Las Vegas.
Union Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge emphasized the workers’ determination throughout the negotiations. “Workers at Virgin Hotels would not accept a second-class contract,” he said. Virgin Hotels employees had been advocating for pay equity, with many describing their wages as among the lowest for unionized casino workers in the city. “We’re doing the same amount of work for less pay,” said cook Lee McNamara, a 25-year employee at the property.
Transition and Future Plans
The resolution coincides with Virgin Hotels Las Vegas undergoing a major operational transition. The Nevada Gaming Commission recently approved new operators to take over casino management from Mohegan, a Connecticut-based tribal company that had overseen operations since the property’s 2021 reopening. The new management transition is expected to be completed by March 2025.
In a joint statement, the Culinary and Bartenders Unions and Virgin Hotels expressed their shared commitment to moving forward. “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.”
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