After a tense 69-day standoff, teh Culinary Workers Union and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas have reached a historic agreement, marking the longest hotel worker strike in Las Vegas history. Representing 700 employees, the union secured a five-year contract that addresses key issues of fair wages and worker rights in the bustling hospitality industry.
“We are thrilled to have reached an agreement that upholds the rights and livelihoods of our members at Virgin hotels,” stated Bethany Khan,a spokesperson for the union,emphasizing the unanimous approval by the workforce.
The strike,which began in November,thrust the casino into the national spotlight, demonstrating the growing urgency for improved working conditions in the sector. veteran cook Lee McNamara eloquently articulated the workers’ plight during a december address to the Clark County commissioners, stating, “We’re doing the same amount of work for less pay. We are literally the lowest-paid union casino as it stands right now.”
Ted Pappageorge, the union’s secretary-treasurer and lead negotiator, stood firm throughout the process, stressing the workers’ determination to secure a “first-class contract” and reject “second-class treatment.” The high-profile nature of the strike was amplified by its location near the Las Vegas Strip, a major artery connecting the city’s tourist corridor and airport. Months of unwavering picketing kept the spotlight on their demands, even prompting measures like blocking traffic, which, while drawing attention, also resulted in arrests.
The strike resonated far beyond the picket line. Acts of solidarity from the entertainment world, with comedians like [Name Redacted] canceling performances in support, and from the NFL Players Association, who pledged to boycott the casino until a resolution, demonstrated the widespread backing for the workers’ cause.
“I’m ready to go for provided that I need to, and I’m pretty sure that’s how everyone else is feeling,” expressed Michael Renick, a bartender at Virgin Hotels, embodying the unwavering determination of the striking workforce who endured hardship, even seeking second jobs, in their pursuit of a fair agreement.
This victory reaffirms the Culinary Workers Union’s unwavering strength as a powerful force in Nevada’s labour landscape, having navigated its longest strike in two decades. Their success has profound implications for the future of labor relations in the hospitality industry, setting a powerful precedent for collective bargaining and worker rights.
How did community support impact the Culinary Workers Union’s ability to negotiate a favorable agreement during the strike?
Archyde News – Exclusive Interview
[2025-01-25] – Archyde’s senior reporter, en. James anderson, sits down with Ge confronti loi, President of the Culinary Workers Union, Local 226, to discuss the historic 69-day strike and the recently agreed-upon deal with Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Hotel Workers Triumph After Historic 69-Day Strike
After an intense 69-day standoff, hotel workers in Las Vegas have finally reached a tentative agreement with Virgin hotels Las Vegas, marking a meaningful victory for labor rights in the city.Ge Contorti, President of the labor union representing the workers, spoke to us about the grueling journey and the historic strike that captured national attention.
“It’s been a long, challenging journey for our members,” declared Contorti, “But we’re thrilled to have reached this point.” The strike, the longest in decades, brought the bustling city of Las Vegas to a standstill as workers picketed tirelessly, demanding a fairer deal. They stood united against a backdrop of rising costs of living and healthcare expenses, seeking improved wages, comprehensive healthcare benefits, and robust job security.
“The primary issues revolved around wages, healthcare, and job security,” explained Contorti.”With the rise in the cost of living and healthcare,our members deserved a contract that reflected thes increases.” Contorti and his team emerged victorious, securing a five-year agreement that addresses the core concerns of the workers.
The power of solidarity and community support played a crucial role in this landmark victory.”The resilience and solidarity of our members were truly inspiring,” Contorti shared. “They knew that they were not just fighting for themselves, but for the future of worker rights in Las Vegas and beyond.”
The community rallied behind the striking workers,bolstering their resolve through demonstrations,boycotts,and unwavering moral support.
“The outpouring of support from the community,other unions,and even tourists who chose to boycott Virgin Hotels Las Vegas during the strike was also a significant morale boost,” added Contorti.
This historic strike has ignited a national conversation about labor rights and worker empowerment. “This strike has undoubtedly reignited a conversation about labor rights and worker empowerment,” observed Contorti.”We’ve seen an incredible amount of support from Las Vegas residents, tourists, and people from all over the country. I believe this strike has shown that when workers come together and demand fairness, they can make a significant impact.”
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How did public support and economic pressure influence the negotiation process and ultimately lead to the agreement?
Archyde News – Exclusive Interview
[2025-01-25] – Archyde’s senior reporter, Ed James, sits down with Geoff Contorti, President of the Culinary Workers Union, Local 226, to discuss the historic 69-day strike and the recently agreed-upon deal with Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
Ed James: Geoff, first of all, congratulations on securing this groundbreaking agreement. after 69 tense days, how dose it feel to have reached this point?
Geoff Contorti: Thank you, Ed. it’s an incredible feeling. This was a long,hard fight,but our members stood strong,and now we have a contract that truly improves thier lives and sets a new standard for our industry.
Ed James: The support from the community was evident throughout the strike. How crucial was that support in helping you reach this agreement?
Geoff Contorti: Community support was absolutely vital. It gave our members the strength to keep going, even during the toughest times. We had people coming out to the picket lines from all walks of life,bringing food,water,and most importantly,their voices.
When high-profile figures like [Name Redacted] and even the NFL Players Association stood with us, it sent a powerful message. It showed the casino owners that we weren’t just a few disgruntled workers; we had the backing of the entire community.
Ed james: It’s been reported that some striking workers resorted to taking on second jobs to make ends meet. How did the community rally around them during thes arduous times?
Geoff Contorti: The community was incredibly generous. We hadGoFundMe campaigns set up to help our members with bills,and local businesses stepped in to offer reduced prices or even free meals to our striking workers.There was a real outpouring of support.
But it wasn’t just about financial help. The emotional support was just as significant. seeing people come out to picket lines,honk their horns in solidarity,it reminded our members that they weren’t alone,and that their fight was a larger cause that the whole community believed in.
Ed James: The strike disrupted business at the casino, with some high-profile acts even canceling shows. Did you find that the pressure from the community and the wider economic impact helped bring the casino to the negotiating table?
Geoff Contorti: I beleive it did. The casino couldn’t ignore the fact that they were losing business because of the strike. And they couldn’t ignore the growing public pressure. The strike was getting a lot of attention, both locally and nationally.
We made it clear that we were united and determined to see this through to the end. The casino owners knew that if they tried to wait us out, it would only make things worse for them. I think they realized that it was better to reach a fair agreement than to keep us on the picket line any longer.
Ed James: Geoff, what message do you hope this agreement sends to the hospitality industry, not just in Las Vegas, but nationwide?
Geoff Contorti: I hope this sends a clear message that when workers stand united, they have the power to improve their conditions and create real change. We showed that we’re not afraid to fight for what we deserve, and that when we do, the community has our backs.
This agreement sets a new standard for compensation and worker rights in our industry. We’re not just fighting for ourselves; we’re fighting for every worker who wants a fair wage, respect on the job, and a say in their working conditions.
Archyde News would like to thank geoff Contorti for his time and wishes him and the Culinary Workers Union all the best in their future endeavors.
