Police in Las Vegas arrested 57 striking casino workers at a protest outside Virgin Hotels Las Vegas organized by the Culinary Union. The workers had walked off their jobs over stalled talks for a new five-year union pay contract. Images and videos posted by the union showed members blocking a road in front of the hotel, with some members being handcuffed by police. The union’s president, Diana Valles, was also among those arrested. Las Vegas police confirmed that the road next to the casino had reopened after the arrests. The city is currently hosting the Formula One Grand Prix this weekend.
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is owned by JC Hospitality, Juniper Capital Partners, Virgin Group, and others. The hotel did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters regarding the incident. The protest highlights the ongoing labor disputes between workers and management in the hospitality industry, as workers push for fair wages and working conditions. The Culinary Union represents over 60,000 workers in Las Vegas and Reno and has a history of advocating for worker rights in the city. The arrests and protests underscore the tensions between workers and employers in Las Vegas’ lucrative hospitality sector.
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