The 69-day strike at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas came to a close on Wednesday as the hotel and the Culinary Workers Union reached an agreement. This marks the end of one of the longest labour strikes in Las Vegas in decades, affecting around 700 employees at the off-Strip property.
Five-Year Contract Brings Relief to Workers
After months of picket lines, blocked traffic, and high-profile disputes, the Culinary Workers Union and Bartenders Union announced on social media that they had secured a five-year agreement. Union members unanimously approved the contract, which is expected to include significant pay increases.
The new contract replaces the one that expired in June 2023 and is rumoured to feature a 32% wage increase over five years, aligning Virgin Hotels with the standards set by other unionised properties on the Strip. This agreement resolves contentious negotiations that saw union leaders criticising the hotel’s previous wage offers as insufficient for a “living wage.”
The Strike That Grabbed National Attention
The Virgin Hotels strike wasn’t just a local labour dispute—it became a rallying point for broader concerns about fair wages and working conditions in the hospitality industry. The strike began in October 2023 and saw workers from various departments, including housekeepers, bartenders, and servers, demanding equitable pay and benefits.
Despite its location off the Strip, the hotel’s proximity to tourist hotspots made the strike highly visible. Around-the-clock picket lines were maintained, and the union organised high-impact demonstrations, including a traffic blockade that led to arrests.
The strike also garnered support from high-profile groups, including the NFL Players Association, which pledged to boycott the casino, and a comedian who cancelled a scheduled show in solidarity with the workers.
A Changing Landscape for Virgin Hotels
The timing of the agreement coincides with major changes at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The Nevada Gaming Commission recently approved new gaming operators for the financially struggling property. Hotel President Cliff Atkinson and CFO Chad Konrad are set to take over casino operations from the Connecticut-based Mohegan Gaming. The transition is expected to be completed by March 2025.
Virgin Hotels is owned by a partnership that includes British billionaire Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, an investment management firm, and a Canadian pension fund. JC Hospitality serves as the operational landlord. These changes, coupled with the new labour agreement, signal a potential fresh start for the property.
Workers Celebrate Their Victory
For many employees, the strike was about more than wages—it was about respect and recognition for their work. Union Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge emphasised that the workers would not settle for a “second-class contract.”
Long-time employees like cook Lee McNamara, who has worked at the property for over 25 years, expressed relief at the deal. “We deserve to be paid a living wage, just like workers at other casinos,” McNamara told Clark County commissioners last month.
The union criticised Virgin Hotels for hiring temporary workers during the strike, which they argued undermined the picket line. Despite these challenges, workers remained steadfast. Bartender Michael Renick summed up the mood, saying, “I’m ready to go as long as I need to, and I’m pretty sure that’s how everyone else feels too.”
What’s Next for Virgin Hotels?
The strike’s resolution allows Virgin Hotels to refocus on its operations and reputation. With the union deal now in place, the hotel must rebuild trust with its employees while facing the challenges of new casino management. Both parties expressed optimism in a joint statement, highlighting their commitment to fostering a “positive and collaborative working relationship.”
The agreement also reinforces the influence of the Culinary Workers Union, which represents approximately 60,000 workers in Las Vegas and Reno. This latest victory strengthens their position as one of the most powerful labour organisations in the region.