Culinary contract fight with Virgin Las Vegas heats up, but no Memorial Day strike planned

A top executive for Virgin Hotels Las Vegas said Wednesday that the off-Strip resort “simply cannot afford” wage and benefit demands from Culinary Workers Union Local 226 that would cover 700 non-gaming workers employed at the property.

Meanwhile, Culinary Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge said Thursday the union is not planning another temporary walkout by Virgin’s workforce, who set up picket lines in front of the resort two weeks ago, but is asking the company for another contract negotiation session.

He said Virgin embarked on a “publicity stunt” when the company said in a Wednesday statement that its recent contract offer was its final and best offer.