The Culinary Workers’ strike at Virgin Las Vegas is moving from the picket line to the stage.
Comedian Steve Hofstetter has canceled his show tomorrow night at the hotel to support Culinary Union members who are currently on strike.
He was scheduled to appear at Virgin’s 24 Oxford venue, Hofstetter shared this update on his Facebook page and expressed his disappointment that the strike is still ongoing.
"I was hoping the strike would be settled by now, but it isn't," Hofstetter said. "And so in solidarity with the striking culinary workers, I am cancelling my January show at the Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas. If you already have tickets, your money is being refunded automatically."
He added, "Meanwhile, I have added a show in Vegas in May, so you can grab tickets to that one. Tickets on my website, as always. Thank you for understanding, and I hope to see you soon."
The show will now take place on May 19 at Wise Guys Comedy in Town Square.
Union Local 226 Supports Hofstetter’s Decision
Ted Pappageorge, the Secretary-Treasurer for the Culinary Union, praised Hofstetter for taking a "courageous stand for justice and fairness" and demonstrating solidarity. Pappageorge criticized Virgin Las Vegas for how they treated their employees, claiming the company threatened to permanently replace workers and offered inadequate wage increases.
In a statement on the Culinary Workers Local 226’s website, Pappageorge stated, "Virgin Las Vegas insulted workers with an offer of an estimated 30 cents an hour in wage increases," highlighting that Fengate, which owns most of Virgin Las Vegas, is a wealthy Canadian investment firm worth over $9 billion.
He called on others to support Hofstetter's example by saying, "The choice is clear: Either stand with workers who are fighting for dignity by staying out of Virgin Las Vegas until the strike is resolved or side with a company that has shown blatant disregard for its employees and their families."
Pappageorge doubled-down on the union's stance, saying, "Virgin Las Vegas workers are strong and they will stay out on strike until they win a contract that respects their contributions and values their hard work."
USC Trojans Football Team Criticized For Stay
The University of Southern California's football team also found itself in the middle of the union battle.
Before the Trojans took on Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl game at Allegiant Stadium, players and coaches had to fend off criticism for crossing the picket line and staying at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
In response, team officials voiced support for labor rights and criticized the bowl organizers for involving them in the ongoing labor dispute.
“Since learning about the strike by hospitality workers, USC has repeatedly asked the Bowl for viable hotel alternatives, so that our team would not have to cross a picket line,” USC wrote in a statement. “Unfortunately, the Bowl has been unable to change hotels on such short notice.”
USC did win the game.
Culinary Workers’ Strike Has No End In Sight
Meanwhile, the strike continues with no resolution in sight. It started on November 15 after months of stalled negotiations over a new five-year contract for about 700 non-gaming Culinary members. Their previous contract ended in June 2023.
Union members continue to protest outside the hotel-casino. Some are carrying signs and chanting slogans. In response, the company displayed a message on an electronic sign saying, “Respond to our request to arbitrate.” The union rejected the management's call for third-party arbitration, which has intensified the already tense situation.
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas management argues that the union’s demands are economically unfeasible and accuses the union of not negotiating in good faith. On the other hand, the union insists that arbitration does not address the core issues they are concerned about.
In 2023, the Culinary Union successfully negotiated new contracts with major Las Vegas Strip operators, including Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts, and Caesars Entertainment. The union effectively leveraged its influence during high-profile events like the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix to achieve these agreements. We’ll have to wait and see if their current strategy garners the same effect.
