Published on: January 1, 2025, 06:28h. 

Updated on: January 1, 2025, 06:28h.

Stand-up comedian Steve Hofstetter has decided to cancel his appearance at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas to show support for the hospitality workers currently on strike.

Hofstetter was set to perform at the casino’s 24 Oxford venue this Saturday. Instead, he will take the stage on May 19 at Wise Guys Las Vegas Town Square.

The 45-year-old comedian, with a YouTube following of 823K subscribers, announced his decision via a recent Facebook post.

Hey friends. I was hoping the strike would be settled by now, but it isn’t. And so in solidarity with the striking culinary workers, I am cancelling my January show at the Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas,” his post said.

Refunds will be issued for the tickets. He urges his fans to attend the rescheduled Las Vegas show in May.

Culinary Union Applauds the Move

The Culinary Union, representing approximately 700 striking workers seeking higher wages and better benefits, praised Hofstetter’s decision to cancel his Virgin Hotels performance.

“[It] is more than just an act of solidarity — it’s a courageous stand for justice and fairness,” said Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer of the Culinary Union.

Virgin Las Vegas has threatened their own employees with permanent replacements, hired scabs, and raised the issue of worker’s deportation,” Pappageorge added. “Steve’s decision to stand with workers, many of whom are immigrants fighting for a better life, sends a powerful message that no one should tolerate corporate greed or mistreatment of working families.”

The union calls for other performers, customers, and conventions to also cancel their arrangements at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas until the strike is resolved.

“Virgin Las Vegas insulted workers with an offer of an estimated 30 cents an hour in wage increases (per hour, per year, after benefits are paid),” Pappageorge said. “Virgin Las Vegas workers are strong and they will stay out on strike until they win a contract that respects their contributions and values their hard work.”

The union is pushing for a contract similar to those recently agreed upon by many other casino-hotels in the Las Vegas area.

Last month, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas accused the Culinary Union of negotiating in bad faith.

“The Culinary Union has not seriously countered any of our economic proposals, nor even brought our latest offer to their members for a formal vote,” the casino stated.

Union Declines Arbitration Offer

Additionally, the union rejected a recent proposal from Virgin Hotels Las Vegas for binding arbitration to end the strike that began on November 15.

The key point is this: these workers are ready to bargain and make their own decisions,” Pappageorge said in a statement. “They are not looking for a third party to step in.”