In a show of solidarity and determination, 23 members of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 were arrested on Wednesday during a picket outside Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The arrests occurred as union members protested for better working conditions and fair wages, drawing attention to ongoing negotiations between the union and the hotel.
The demonstration was part of a larger effort by the Culinary Union to secure new contracts for hospitality workers in Las Vegas, with a focus on fair pay, job security, and protections for workers’ rights. The union, which represents over 60,000 workers in the Las Vegas area, has been a powerful force in advocating for the rights of those employed in the city’s vast hospitality industry.
The picket at Virgin Hotels was one of several actions the union has organized in recent weeks as negotiations with the hotel’s management have stalled. Union leaders have expressed frustration over what they see as slow progress in securing a fair deal for workers, many of whom have been on the front lines throughout the challenges of the past few years.
During the protest, union members chanted and held signs demanding better conditions for hotel workers. The demonstration remained peaceful, but as tensions escalated, Las Vegas Metro Police intervened and arrested 23 participants for blocking traffic on Paradise Road.
Despite the arrests, the Culinary Union remains resolute in its mission. “Our members are standing up for what they deserve,” said Geoconda Argüello-Kline, Secretary-Treasurer of the Culinary Union. “We will not back down until we secure a fair contract that respects the hard work of these dedicated employees.”
The union is calling on Virgin Hotels and other employers across Las Vegas to recognize the essential role hospitality workers play in the city’s economy. As negotiations continue, the Culinary Union has vowed to keep up the pressure through further actions and public demonstrations.
The arrests have brought increased attention to the union’s cause, with many in the community expressing support for the workers’ demands. For the Culinary Union members, the fight for fair wages and working conditions is far from over, and they are prepared to continue their efforts until their voices are heard.
The situation remains fluid as both sides seek a resolution, but for now, the Culinary Union’s message is clear: the fight for fairness in Las Vegas is just beginning.
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