
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas’ two-month strike has come to an end after the casino came to an agreement with union members.
Some 700 employees have been absent from work at the establishment, just off the Las Vegas Strip, since November after an impasse was reached over a new contract. It was the first open-ended strike in 22 years for the Culinary Workers Union, the largest labour union in Nevada, with about 60,000 members.
The casino – formerly the Hard Rock Hotel – remained open during the strike period as Virgin Hotels hired temporary workers. The strikers picketed throughout the period, which, at 69 days, is the longest-running industrial action in Las Vegas for decades.
Joint statement issued
On Wednesday (22 Jan), the casino and the unions issued a joint statement confirming that they had reached a settlement that would guide a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
It read: “Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and the Culinary and Bartenders Unions are pleased to be moving past their contract negotiations as each looks forward to fostering a positive and collaborative working relationship for the benefit of all team members at the property.
“Parties are committed to the resolution of our dispute and to maintaining a union standard at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas that provides for its team members’ families and fosters a better community for all.”
While no details have been released pertaining to the new contract, strikers wanted the same pay rises that have been seen at other casinos over the last 12 months. Last year, union members on the Strip, downtown and at other off-Strip properties were awarded a 32% increase in wages over five years.
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas opened in March 2021 following a significant renovation after the venue was acquired by Virgin Hotels and a group of investment companies in 2018. The 1,500-room resort has total gaming space of 60,000 sq ft.