Union Disputes Countered by Virgin Before Culinary Union's Strike Before Vegas Grand Prix Event
In the heart of the entertainment capital, a labor dispute between the Culinary Union and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is escalating, with potential implications for the upcoming 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The Culinary Union, known for its advocacy for fair wages and workplace protections, is demanding a new contract that addresses these concerns for its members at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The union's Secretary-Treasurer, Ted Pappageorge, has stated, "Virgin staff deserve fair wage increases and they are organized and ready to strike for it."
The current disagreement has led to ongoing protests by union members at the property, with some arrests during peaceful demonstrations. The situation has created significant tension, with the union considering a strike if an agreement is not reached before the Grand Prix weekend, scheduled for Nov. 21-23.
The union's stance is clear: they are willing to engage in job actions, including strikes, to leverage their position during negotiations with Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The Culinary Union has warned of the strike risk for months and has alerted locals, customers, investors, company board members and partners, gaming regulators, and community allies about the potential disruption.
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, on the other hand, has accused the union of inflexibility and putting staff at risk with its demands. The resort's management has also criticized the Culinary Union's refusal to move off a position that is not economically viable for the off-Strip property.
The main co-owners of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas include the LiUNA Pension Fund of Eastern and Central Canada. The resort's management has stated that a strike could negatively impact all hotel team members.
The parties are set to meet for last-ditch negotiations on Thursday, with the potential for a strike looming if an agreement is not reached. The union has announced a planned strike for Friday, 15 November, which would mark the first strike by the Culinary Union in over 22 years.
This dispute, centred around wages and workplace protections, has the potential to significantly impact the upcoming Grand Prix weekend. As the situation unfolds, both parties are under pressure to find a resolution that is fair for all involved.
- The labor dispute between the Culinary Union and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, which centers on fair wages and workplace protections, could have implications for the casino-and-gambling industry in Las Vegas, particularly during the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
- The Secretary-Treasurer of the Culinary Union, Ted Pappageorge, has criticized Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, stating that their staff deserve fair wage increases and are prepared to strike for it.
- The ongoing protests and potential strike by the Culinary Union could potentially disrupt the casino-culture in Las Vegas, impacting investors, company board members, partners, gaming regulators, local residents, and tourists who visit the casino-and-gambling establishments, including casinos in Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
