Culinary Union workers strike at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas over contract disputes

In the United States, hundreds of hospitality workers went on strike at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. This strike started on November 15, 2024, marking the first open-ended strike by the Culinary Union in over 22 years. Negotiations for a new contract began after the previous contract expired on June 1, 2023, but talks broke down, prompting the union to take action. Picketing is expected to continue 24 hours a day until an agreement is reached. The Culinary Union has expressed that the hotel’s proposals are significantly lacking and do not meet the expectations of the workers. This sentiment was echoed by Ted Pappageorge, the union's secretary-treasurer, who stated that the hotel’s offer was an insult to workers' contributions and livelihoods. The workers are advocating for better pay and working conditions that reflect their importance in the hospitality sector. The strike comes after a previous 48-hour strike in May, which was also the union's first strike in decades. Although the strike is currently limited to Virgin Hotels, the Culinary Union is encouraging Las Vegas locals and visitors to show solidarity by not crossing the picket lines. Reports from guests have indicated disruptions in services, such as limited room service options, illustrating the immediate impact of the strike. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has countered these claims, accusing the union of bad faith bargaining and asserting that they were waiting for the union's response to their proposals. As a result of this disagreement, the dispute has escalated into a significant labor action that is spotlighting labor rights and fair contract negotiations in the hospitality industry.