After a 69-day strike that significantly impacted operations at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, hotel workers have secured a new five-year contract, paving the way for a full reopening and improved guest experiences. The Culinary Workers Union announced the deal recently, following weeks of contentious negotiations and public demonstrations.

The strike, which began on Nov. 15, saw hundreds of employees walk off the job, disrupting service and leading to temporary closures at the large, popular hotel. The Culinary Workers Union, representing housekeepers, porters, servers, and other essential staff, had been seeking significant pay raises to address the rising cost of living in Las Vegas.

About Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is a modern and stylish hotel and casino resort located in Paradise, Nevada, just east of the Las Vegas Strip. Previously known as the Hard Rock Hotel from 1995 to 2020, the property underwent extensive renovations before reopening under the Virgin Hotels brand on March 25, 2021. The opening was delayed several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Boasting 1,504 rooms, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, a portfolio of unique and culturally distinct hotels. 

Beyond its stylish accommodations, the hotel offers a diverse range of amenities for guests to enjoy. These include:

• Casino: 60,000 sq ft Mohegan Sun Casino
• Music Venue: The Theater at Virgin Hotels, attracting a variety of performers and events
• Spa: Spa
• Fitness Center: Fitness Center
• Pool Area: Five-acre pool area surrounded by several restaurants
• Event Lawn: Event lawn to host live concerts
• Dayclub: Élia Beach Club (outdoor, two-story dayclub, separate from the pool area)

Benefits for Guests

• Full Reopening: The end of the strike allows Virgin Hotels to fully reopen its doors to guests, offering a complete range of amenities and services.
• Improved Service: The new contract is expected to boost employee morale and potentially lead to enhanced customer service. With a more satisfied workforce, guests can anticipate more attentive and efficient service from hotel staff.
• Refreshed Experience: The extended closure may have allowed for some necessary maintenance and improvements to the hotel property, potentially resulting in a refreshed and enhanced guest experience.

Impact of the Strike

The strike had a significant impact on the hotel's operations and reputation. Picket lines outside the hotel and traffic disruptions garnered significant public attention. The union's actions, including a temporary traffic blockade and a boycott from the NFL Players Association, put pressure on the hotel to address the workers' demands.

Union Victory

This agreement marks a significant victory for the Culinary Workers Union, which has a strong history of advocating for its members in Las Vegas. The new contract is expected to include substantial pay raises for Virgin Hotels employees, bringing their compensation more in line with workers at other major casinos on the Strip.