Culinary Union workers authorize strike at off-Strip property

Members of the Culinary Union at Virgin Las Vegas plan to strike.

On Friday, Culinary 226 called for a strike at the Virgin Las Vegas starting at 5 a.m. Nov. 15. Around 700 Culinary workers have been pushing for a new contract since the previous expired in June 2023.

A complete work stoppage was authorized and the union encourages customers to cancel their reservations, check out of the property and choose a union accommodation.

During negotiations, Virgin has proposed a $0 wage increase for the first three years of the contract, according to Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer for Culinary 226.

In May, Culinary 226 walked off the job at Virgin during a 48-hour strike for the same reasons, although guests reported no disruptions. Additionally, in August two dozen Culinary Union members were arrested and accused of trespass during a protest-turned-sit-down at Virgin.

Virgin Las Vegas is the last in the union not to have a deal with their employer; most reached agreements with the union in February. Virgin Las Vegas did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

Contact Emerson Drewes at edrewes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @EmersonDrewes on X.