After 700 workers from Culinary Union Local 226 organized a strike against Virgin Hotels Las Vegas that lasted 48 hours, the standoff is now over. The strike, which started on May 10, aimed to put pressure on Virgin Hotels Las Vegas executives to sign a new five-year contract which will provide employees with better wages and bebefits.

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Employees Demand Fair Deal

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas room attendants, cocktail and food servers, porters, bellmen, cooks, bartenders, and laundry and kitchen staff set up picket lines outside the company’s property located very near the Las Vegas Strip and previously known as Hard Rock Las Vegas, reported the Associated Press.

The union’s Secretary-Treasurer, Ted Pappageorge, said that Virgin Hotels Las Vegas employees hope that their strike will help fast-track the stalled negotiation process and a new agreement will be reached. Following the strike, talks will start again on May 14.

Prior to the strike, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas filed a complaint at the National Labor Relations Board against its employees stating that the union was not sincere in its negotiation efforts. Pappageorge countered the company’s claims defining them as mere corporate tactics.

The Virgin Hotels Las Vegas workers strike comes on the backdrop of a series of negotiations with various Las Vegas hospitality industry giants, which took place earlier this year. As other union members employed by Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino and Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, for example, achieved substantial wager increases for the next five years, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas employees were left behind. This prompted dissatisfaction among workers, which eventually led to the recent strike.

Workers Optimistic as Negotiations Continue

Ted Pappageorge commented that the contract with Virgin Hotels Las Vegas expired on June 1, 2023, making it almost a year since the company’s employees were left without a new one. This prolonged period without job security and better payment conditions on the backdrop of increased inflation and economic challenges is not to be tolerated, hence, the union resorted to strike measures.

The strike at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is relatively small in scale compared to previous strike action organized or planned by the Culinary Union. However, its impact was significant considering the property’s strategic location near both the Las Vegas Strip and the Las Vegas airport. As negotiations continue both the Culinary Union and its members are positive regarding a quick resolution in their favor providing them with fair wages and increased benefits.

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The Culinary Union, the largest union in Nevada, representing some 60,000 workers across the entertainment and hospitality sector in the state, called for a 48-hour strike at Virgin Las Vegas, amid dragging negotiations for better conditions for employees of the venue. Ultimately, the union fights for better working conditions for the 700 hospitality workers at Virgin Las Vegas.

The call for the strike marks a historic moment as the property has never been subject to a strike from the Culinary and Bartenders Union before. The strike is planned to start at 5 AM on Friday, May 10 and continue through Sunday, May 12 at 4:59 AM.

Although the union had organized a main table negotiation with Virgin Las Vegas on Tuesday, at the time of writing, there’s no information suggesting that the discussions had a positive outcome. During the time of the strike, the union urges “the community and customers to support workers and to not patronize or cross picketing happening on strike lines.”

The negotiations and potential strike come at a time when workers at Virgin Hotel Las Vegas expect a new 5-year union contract. With the strike, the Culinary Union seeks to ensure better working conditions for the venue’s employees. If the strike takes place as planned, it is expected to impact all areas of the venue’s operations, including departments such as food and beverage, housekeeping and even restaurants. Unionized restaurants at Virgin Las Vegas include The Bar at Commons Club, Juice Bar, Casa Calavera, Funny Library Coffee Shop, The Shag Room and The Kitchen at Commons Club.

The Strike Comes at a Time When Employees Expect a New 5-Year Contract

Ted Pappageorge, the Culinary Union’s secretary-treasurer, spoke about the expired contract for the workers at Virgin Las Vegas. He said that after the contract expired on June 1, 2023, it has now been nearly a year and those employees still do not have a new contract in place. Pappageorge encouraged community members and customers not to cross the strike line and show support for the employees who are on strike.

Additionally, the secretary-treasurer said that Virgin Las Vegas employees deserve fair wages and better job security and they are ready to go on a strike to achieve this goal. “As Virgin Las Vegas workers go on strike on Friday, May 10th, the Culinary Union has their back every step of the way and we will win,” added Pappageorge.

“It’s been nearly one year since the contract at Virgin Las Vegas expired on June 1, 2023 and workers are still working without a contract, that’s why the Culinary Union has called for a 48-hour strike at the Virgin Las Vegas and urge the community and customers to not cross the strike line.“

Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer at the Culinary Union

He spoke about the Culinary Union’s extensive efforts over nearly nine decades that helped ensure the well-being and potential growth of workers across Nevada. Last but not least, Pappageorge vowed the union will continue to support its members, promoting fair wages, job security, better health care and other benefits for hospitality workers.

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Morm Rithy, who is one of the leaders in Cambodia’s labor movement, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for a Facebook post he used to criticize the treatment of a casino worker.  

Union Leader Rithy Faces Legal Battle Over Facebook Critique

Rithy who is also the president of the Cambodian Tourism and Service Workers’ Federation (CTSWF) and the vice president of the Cambodian Labor Confederation (CLC) was charged with incitement and discrediting judicial decisions, reported The Camboja News. 

The reason behind the charges is a Facebook post from February 24, 2022, with which Rithy expressed concerns about the arrest of Morm Sreyleak, a female employee at the Jin Bei 2 casino, and questioned the legitimacy of her being detained. He also called for more transparency in the judicial proceedings. As a result, the Chinese-owned Jin Bei Group filed a complaint against him.

Following prolonged legal proceedings, Rithy was arrested on May 7 this year outside the offices of CLC in Phnom Penh. Scheduling conflicts prevented Rithy from attending the hearing and the verdict was pronounced in his absence. 

Cambodian Rights Groups Decry Union Leader’s Sentence

Licadho and other human rights groups have spoken against Rithy’s prison sentences. The have labeled the imprisonments an attempt to scare labor unions and thwart their activist operations. 

The incident is part of a wider crackdown on activists and union leaders in Cambodia. A couple of days before Rithy’s arrest Cambodia’s Supreme Court confirmed the verdict of Chhim Sithar who is also a labor unionist and several other individuals who organized a strike at NagaWorld Casino.

Cambodia has faced criticism that such activities undermine its reputation as a democratic state and violate fundamental freedoms. The Cambodian government has stated that it abides by the law, however, it is still the subject of allegations of politically motivated prosecutions and judicial harassment.

Cambodia has a history of authoritarian governance including former Prime Minister Hun Sen. Against this backdrop the country is still struggling to uphold democratic values and protect human rights and the freedom of speech. Despite a change in leadership, observers have yet to witness significant improvements in the country’s human rights landscape.

Following Rithy’s arrest and prison sentence, fellow union leaders and activists have vouched for his release. They see the incident as a threat to the labor movement‘s ability to advocate for workers’ rights.

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After successfully concluding 10 months of intense negotiations, the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 is setting its sights on aggressive growth in the Las Vegas region for 2024. The union has finalized contracts with various hospitality entities, including Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, and Wynn Resorts, covering nearly 50,000 non-gaming workers.

New Contracts Propel Expansion and Improved Conditions

One significant provision in these new contracts allows the union to organize nonunion restaurant workers within the properties, a move that has garnered support from many employees eager to improve their working conditions. 

Jose de Jesus Zuniga, a cook at Alexxa’s within Paris Las Vegas, expressed his desire for union representation, citing better wages and improved healthcare benefits as primary motivations, reported The Nevada Independent.

Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226, highlighted plans for expansion, particularly targeting establishments such as Alexxa’s, Eataly at Park MGM, and Citizen’s at Mandalay Bay, potentially bringing in around 10,000 new members. 

The union has already secured neutrality agreements with prominent venues like The Venetian, Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Sphere, and Formula One’s Grand Prix Plaza, indicating a significant step towards further growth.

The completion of the 2023 contracts, which saw a remarkable 32% salary increase over five years, marks a milestone for the union. Pappageorge emphasized that these agreements include vital provisions such as workload reductions, enhanced safety measures, and protections against technological advancements that could impact workers’ jobs.

Culinary Workers Forge Ahead Amidst Challenges in Las Vegas

Recent developments also include successful negotiations with previously nonunion giants like The Venetian and Fontainebleau Las Vegas, with agreements paving the way for potential union representation. Notably, The Venetian, historically resistant to unionization efforts, has seen a significant shift following a change in ownership and management.

Moreover, Culinary’s involvement in organizing concessions workers at Allegiant Stadium, backed by the NFL Players Association, underscores its commitment to expanding its influence across various sectors. Despite facing challenges with certain service providers, the union remains steadfast in its efforts to secure fair wages and benefits for all workers.

However, amidst these triumphs, the union continues to grapple with longstanding disputes, notably with Red Rock Resorts and its Station Casinos operating division. The ongoing standoff, now spanning over 25 years, reflects the enduring struggle between management and labor in the region.

As the Culinary Union embarks on its ambitious growth strategy, it not only seeks to improve the lives of thousands of workers but also aims to shape the economic and political landscape of Nevada. 

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The European Union works on preventing money laundering, and the most recent step was changing the laws related to the anonymity of crypto and cash transactions in order to avoid the grey zones that used to lead to suspicious transactions.

New regulations

Thanks to the new Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, the limit on cash payments will be set at €10,000, and if the transactions are anonymous, the limit will be €3,000.

On top of that, the legislation will affect the growing cryptocurrency market. Unidentified crypto wallets won’t be allowed, including all wallets operated by providers that aren’t authorized, including mobile, desktop, or browser-based wallets.

The laws will be implemented three years after the official introductions. However, according to Dillon, a law company from Dublin, they will be implemented before the deadline.

However, not everybody agrees with these laws. One of the members of the European Parliament, Patrick Breyer, a member of the German Pirate Party, is worried about financial freedom. In order to establish total financial independence, people have to be able to make anonymous transactions, according to him. He stated that the new laws could have economic and social consequences for EU citizens.

It’s unknown if new laws will be helpful when it comes to preventing money laundering. While some people believe that it might be a great help in preventing the issue, others are concerned about losing financial freedom and privacy.

On top of that, the concern about unbanked individuals who use cash and other companies that generate a lot of money is present. Also, self-custody wallets are a matter of concern, since there might be an opportunity to use various technological bypasses, including decentralized exchanges and privacy-centric blockchains.

The new regulations might mean a lot of changes to the crypto market in Europe. It might prevent financial innovation and inclusion, and decrease the use of cryptocurrencies in the region.

The exceptions

However, there are a few exceptions when it comes to the new regulations. Among them are private transactions, which don’t have any limits, so the flow of small transactions and personal ones will remain unchanged.

Also, the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Authority (AMLA) will be in charge of overseeing the whole process and its duty will be to coordinate national bodies and communicate with the authorities from EU countries.

The EU agreed on these exceptions in order to ensure fair and considerate laws and regulations, while at the same time preventing the major issue.

Source: Hogg, Lea: “New EU legislation prohibits unidentified cryptocurrency transactions”. March 27, 2024.

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Culinary Union members in Las Vegas are considering an informational picket after failing to reach a new contract agreements with casino hotels on the Strip. Employees at several properties are threatening to walk off their jobs, demonstrating their desire for new contracts.

The strike is scheduled for tomorrow and will see Culinary Union members working at the Rio Las Vegas, SAHARA Las Vegas and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas leave their workplaces. The Culinary Union also announced that it is planning to begin 36 hours of nonstop picketing of all unsettled casinos.

According to the Union, tomorrow’s demonstration would be an informational picket and not a strike.

Wherever there is an active picket line outside of an unsettled casino, the Culinary Union will be urging customers and community allies to not cross the picket line on Friday and Saturday.

Culinary Union statement

In the meantime, the Culinary Union pushed forward the strike deadline until Monday, February 5, for the 10 downtown Vegas properties without contracts. These include Binion’s, Circa, Downtown Grand, El Cortez, Four Queens, Fremont, Golden Gate, Golden Nugget, Main Street and The D Casino.

As negotiations progress, Culinary Union moves strike deadline to Feb. 5 for 10 DTLV properties, will begin 36-hours of continuous picketing of all unsettled casinos. Strike deadline for Rio, Sahara, & Virgin remains on 2/2.

Culinary Union statement

The Union Already Achieved a Number of Victories

For reference, a whopping 2,600 workers in the Las Vegas hospitality industry are currently working without a contract and are now seeking a five-year agreement. The negotiations continue as Culinary Union members are yet to sign definitive agreements.

In the meantime, the Culinary Union already achieved several victories after successfully negotiating with MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment and Wynn Resorts. The union also reached an agreement with the Plaza casino in downtown Vegas, as well as with a number of Strip independents, namely Circus Circus, Four Seasons, Hilton Grand Vacations, Mirage/Hard Rock, Strat, Treasure Island, Tropicana, Trump Hotel, Waldorf Astoria and Westgate.

In the meantime, the potential strikes threaten to interfere with the Super Bowl preparations, providing the Culinary Union with extra leverage.

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The Culinary Union has successfully negotiated a new five-year contract with the renowned Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas. 

Culinary Union Moves Forward with Contract Vote

Although specific details of the agreement were not disclosed, sources suggest that nearly 300 hospitality workers at the Waldorf Astoria, located in the Las Vegas City Center, will benefit from the newly forged contract. The Culinary Union has been actively engaging with major resort and casino operators in the valley, with this deal marking another milestone in their recent successes.

A spokesperson for the Culinary Union revealed that the next step involves scheduling a contract ratification vote. While the union has successfully reached agreements with most major resort and casino operators in the area, it still faces challenges with 20 independent operators, nine situated on the Strip and 11 downtown.

Last week, the union members employed by independent operators on the Strip and downtown Las Vegas casinos issued a strike threat, scheduled for 5 am on February 2, if tentative agreements were not reached with their employers before then. 

Ted Pappageorge, the Culinary Union’s secretary-treasurer, emphasized the importance of securing equitable agreements for the 7,700 workers employed at these properties, including notable establishments like Trump Hotel Las Vegas, Circus Circus, Sahara Las Vegas, and Golden Nugget.

This looming deadline strategically precedes the Super Bowl scheduled to be held at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, adding an element of urgency to the negotiations.

From Resorts World to Waldorf Astoria, Union Secures Victorious Agreements

The recent victory with Waldorf Astoria follows the Culinary Union’s successful agreement with Resorts World Las Vegas last month, showcasing their determination to champion the cause of fair wages and improved working conditions for all hospitality workers in the city.

As negotiations continue with remaining independent properties, the union’s focus remains on securing favorable terms for its members. The union has already met with several properties this week, but details on the progress are limited. 

Scheduled meetings with Westgate and Trump Hotel Las Vegas in the upcoming days indicate that the union is actively pursuing its agenda for equitable contracts across various establishments.

Last year, unionized workers in the hospitality and gaming industry in Las Vegas dedicated seven months to successfully negotiate and secure new five-year gaming contracts with three prominent casino and entertainment companies. The diligent efforts of the Culinary and Bartenders Unions led to the successful ratification of agreements with Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts International, and Caesars Entertainment.

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Tensions are escalating in Las Vegas as the Culinary Union intensifies its preparations for an impending strike against major casino resorts, including MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts, slated for November 10. Union members have been assembling picket signs at their headquarters near Wyoming Avenue and S. Las Vegas Boulevard in anticipation of the strike deadline.

Las Vegas Union Members Express Dissatisfaction Over Progress

Expressing their frustrations, union members voiced concerns about their working conditions and job security. Emphasizing the personal stakes involved for the workers and their families, Aretha Wilder, a union member said: “We’ve worked hard for these companies. We deserve not to be left behind. We deserve not to have our hours cut, we deserve not to have to work two or three stations.” 

Elsa Roldan, another union member, emphasized that there had been limited progress in the negotiations, stressing the lack of significant improvements. She stated that from the beginning, they had been willing to do whatever it took to secure a fair contract, highlighting the union’s steadfast determination.

Despite ongoing discussions, union officials remain dissatisfied with the current state of negotiations, reported KTNV Las Vegas. Ted Pappageorge, the Union’s Secretary-Treasurer, acknowledged some movement in recent weeks but emphasized that it still falls short. Pappageorge explained that they were cautiously optimistic and mentioned that if any company did the right thing and made substantial concessions, they could potentially reach a settlement. He hinted at the possibility of one, two, or even three of these companies facing strikes.

Culinary Union Urges Support for Workers Amid Formula 1 Turmoil

In addition to the ongoing labor dispute, the developments have further heightened concerns regarding the Formula 1 Grand Prix scheduled to begin on November 16. The Culinary Union has urged race attendees to support their cause by refraining from crossing picket lines and avoiding hotels and casinos affected by the labor dispute.

Amidst these tensions, the Culinary Union remains firm in its demands, emphasizing that the proposals put forth by the employers, while historic, are insufficient. Union leaders, including Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge, have underscored the workers’ rights for fair treatment and just contracts, particularly in light of the substantial profits enjoyed by the corporations involved.

Two weeks ago, members of the Culinary Workers Union in Las Vegas organized a nonviolent demonstration to draw attention to their ongoing contract talks with prominent casinos. Around 58 demonstrators were apprehended during the protest, which sought to raise concerns about essential matters such as salary increases and a better work environment.

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Negotiations between unionized workers across Las Vegas and the three leading casino and entertainment giants, Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International and Wynn Resorts continue. Approximately 60,000 workers from the casino and entertainment vertical, including dealers, bartenders, housekeepers, bellmen and other employees are represented by the Culinary Workers Union. Ultimately, the Union proposes better conditions for the workers under a new five-year contract.

Last week, leaders of the Union met with Caesars and MGM Resorts. This week, negotiations continued with discussions with Wynn Resorts on Monday. Despite the talks, negotiations are slow and tension remains high, especially considering the recent arrest of peaceful protesters.

Now, as announced by KTNV, Ted Pappageorge, the lead negotiator for the Culinary Union and secretary-treasurer, progress is made but more needs to be done. He spoke about the importance of financial benefits, including health care, for the whole duration of the new five-year contract.

“I am happy to say we have made more progress than we made in quite a while. Unfortunately, not nearly enough,”

explained Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer of the Culinary Union

Moreover, Pappageorge addressed growing concerns related to technology, including a reduction in the number of employees. He revealed that while it is yet for technological solutions to replace humans, employees within the hospitality, entertainment and gaming industries need to have guarantees that their jobs would be protected.

Workers Ready for a Strike

The demands of employees from the gaming and entertainment sector come at a time when auto workers across the US have been on strike for several weeks. Only recently, they were able to reach a deal with the country’s top automakers, pushing for better pay and working conditions.

Similarly, some of the most important demands within the Unions’ negotiations with the leading gaming and entertainment companies include better wages, health care benefits as well as job security.

However, despite the recent progress, Pappageorge said that the workers remain ready for a strike. “I think we’ve been able to make some movement, but if we were having to make the decision today, it wouldn’t be enough. And I think these workers would authorize a strike,” he explained according to a report by the Las Vegas Sun.

He said that just like gambling operators make record profits, workers deserve “record contracts.” Pappageorge confirmed that while negotiations are ongoing, preparations for a strike continue. According to him, if the workers go on strike, this may be the largest one in the history of Sin City.

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The upcoming Oakland Athletic baseball stadium may force the Tropicana to close its doors for up to two years, threatening the livelihoods of its staff. Faced with this looming issue, the Culinary Union stood firmly on the side of the workers, pledging to protect their rights and support them in the event of a closure. While the ballpark project is still in its infancy, the union’s clear message should help alleviate the concerns of Tropicana employees.

The Ballpark Project Can Have Substantial Repercussions

Oakland Athletics’ recent announcement of a $1.5 billion Las Vegas stadium project reverberated across the industry, drawing mixed responses. Such a high-profile endeavor should significantly bolster tourism, drawing in sports fans and benefiting all surrounding properties. However, the planned stadium’s proximity to the iconic casino hotel means the Tropicana may temporarily need to close during construction.

A FAQ document by project partner Bally’s Corporation revealed that the Tropicana could cease operations between 18 to 24 months. The company issued an update soon after, clarifying it would keep the property open for as long as possible. However, a temporary closure will likely still be necessary, endangering the livelihoods of the venue’s approximately 120 employees.

Employee Rights Seem in Safe Hands

While Bally’s reiterated its commitment to supporting its employees, the Culinary Union also immediately stepped up, vowing to protect workers in the event of a closure. The union, representing thousands of hospitality workers in the region, has long been a staunch advocate for labor rights and fair treatment within the industry.

Such a pledge is a proactive measure to protect employees’ livelihoods and rights during any potential Tropicana downtime. Any laid-off workers should receive free job training, retain their benefits, and have guaranteed rehiring opportunities once the property reopens. Culinary Union secretary-treasurer Ted Pappageorge reiterated the organization’s commitment to negotiate a fair agreement with the venue.

Culinary Union members at the Tropicana Casino have a strong union contract, which means that Tropicana workers are protected.

Ted Pappageorge, Culinary Union secretary-treasurer

The Tropicana Las Vegas has been integral to the city’s vibrant hospitality landscape for decades. While the potential closure may cause substantial short-term disruptions, the Culinary Union’s efforts will ensure that employee rights will receive adequate protection. If the stadium project is successful, the long-term benefits should significantly outweigh the few months of closure.

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