Date of Posting: November 20, 2024, 09:35h. 

Last Updated on: November 20, 2024, 09:35h.

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has received numerous applications from workers seeking temporary replacement positions after approximately 700 hospitality workers went on strike last Friday. However, the union considers these replacement hires as scabs.

In a recent statement, the hotel expressed its gratitude to the hundreds of applicants who applied when other employees went on strike.

Skilled Temporary Workers

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas stated, “Since last Friday, we have been thoroughly reviewing and processing applications for temporary employment and contract work from numerous skilled individuals.”

A significant number of the applicants were previously members of the Culinary Union when they worked at other properties in Las Vegas, according to the statement.

The hotel’s statement rebutted the Culinary Union’s claims that the individuals seeking employment were unqualified or dishonest, asserting that such allegations were unfounded

Culinary Union members at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas who participated in the strike have been placed on strike leave and will not be terminated by management.

The hotel reiterated its dedication to ensuring the well-being of all team members at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and encouraged Culinary Union leaders to prioritize meaningful negotiations and the best interests of their members over maintaining bargaining leverage.

Management aims for rank-and-file workers to have the opportunity to vote on the recent offer made by the hotel.

Additionally, Virgin Hotels has reached a tentative agreement with 105 front desk, bell/valet, and call center workers who are represented by the Teamsters union, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Inadequate Management Offer

During a recent bargaining session, Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge criticized Virgin Hotels for offering only marginal increases.

The union is seeking a five-year contract with reasonable salary hikes and enhanced benefits.

Hospitality workers at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas have been working without a contract since June 1, 2023.

Throughout the past year, the union successfully negotiated satisfactory agreements with numerous other properties on the Las Vegas Strip and elsewhere in Las Vegas, averting strikes that were threatened before tentative agreements were reached.

As the Virgin Hotels strike persists, the Culinary Union urges the public not to cross the picket line and denounces the replacement workers as “scabs.”

The strike at Virgin Hotels continues with no new bargaining sessions scheduled at this time.

Formula 1 Race

The strike coincides with the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix happening this weekend, anticipated to draw a significant number of visitors to Las Vegas and surrounding hotels.