After a grueling 69 days, the longest strike by hotel workers in Las Vegas history has come to an end.
The Culinary Workers Union, representing approximately 700 employees at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, announced on Thursday that it has reached a landmark agreement with the casino’s management.
The new five-year contract, unanimously ratified by union members, guarantees significant wage increases, enhanced benefits, and improved working conditions for housekeepers, porters, servers, and other frontline employees.
This settlement aligns with the 32% wage hike secured by workers at other casinos in Las Vegas, reflecting the union’s strong negotiating position during a year marked by heightened labor activism across the United States.
A Milestone Victory for Workers
The deal is being hailed as a major victory for the Culinary Workers Union, which had been advocating for better pay and protections for months before the strike began on November 15, 2024.
“This is a monumental day for our members and their families,” said Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer of the union. “We have shown that when workers stand together, they can achieve real change.”
Union members expressed relief and satisfaction with the outcome. “We’ve been through a lot, but it was worth it,” said Maria Lopez, a housekeeper at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas for over a decade. “This contract means I can better support my family and have peace of mind at work.”
A Challenging Negotiation Process
The strike disrupted operations at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, a property known for its modern amenities and vibrant entertainment offerings.
Guests reported delays in services, and some canceled their bookings in solidarity with the striking workers. The union’s steadfast resolve put pressure on management to return to the negotiating table after initial talks had stalled.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the agreement includes not only wage increases but also commitments to reduce workloads and enhance job security.
“We listened to the workers’ concerns and worked diligently to find a resolution that benefits everyone,” a Virgin Hotels spokesperson said in a statement.
Part of a Larger Labor Movement
This agreement is the latest in a series of labor victories in the hospitality and gaming sectors, which have seen a surge in union activity.
Across the country, workers in various industries have organized strikes to demand fair wages and better working conditions amid rising inflation and corporate profits.
Las Vegas, in particular, has been a focal point for labor movements, given its reliance on tourism and hospitality.
The Culinary Workers Union, one of the largest and most influential in Nevada, has a long history of advocating for workers’ rights and achieving groundbreaking contracts.
Looking Ahead
As workers return to their roles at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, the city breathes a sigh of relief, knowing that the strike’s resolution marks a return to normalcy for both employees and visitors.
The union’s victory also sets a precedent for future labor negotiations in the hospitality industry, signaling that collective action can yield meaningful results.
“This isn’t just about our members at Virgin Hotels,” Pappageorge added. “This is about uplifting the standards for hospitality workers across the board.”
With the strike over and a historic contract in place, the workers at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas are looking forward to a brighter future — one where their contributions to the city’s thriving tourism industry are recognized and rewarded.
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