The Culinary Union accuses Virgin Hotels Las Vegas of hiring temporary replacement workers, commonly known as "scabs," after approximately 700 hospitality workers initiated a strike on Friday.

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas reports receiving hundreds of applications for temporary positions, stating many applicants are former Culinary Union members from other Las Vegas properties. The hotel maintains these applicants are skilled workers and dismisses union claims about their qualifications as "baseless and wrong."

While the hotel reached a tentative agreement with 105 Teamsters union members covering front desk, bell/valet, and call center positions, negotiations with the Culinary Union remain at an impasse. The union's workers have been without a contract since June 2023.

Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge claims Virgin Hotels made minimal concessions during recent negotiations. The union seeks a five-year agreement with improved wages and benefits, similar to agreements reached with other Las Vegas properties over the past year.

The strike coincides with the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend, traditionally a high-occupancy period for local hotels. The Culinary Union continues to urge the public not to cross picket lines while no new bargaining sessions are currently scheduled.

Striking workers remain on strike leave and cannot be terminated for participating in the labor action. Management has requested that rank-and-file workers be allowed to vote on their most recent offer.

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