Steve Hofstetter Cancels Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Performance in Support of Striking Workers

Steve Hofstetter Cancels Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Performance in Support of Striking Workers

By Michael Thompson

January 1, 2025 at 01:52 PM

Stand-up comedian Steve Hofstetter has canceled his January 6 performance at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas's 24 Oxford venue in solidarity with striking hospitality workers. The show has been rescheduled for May 19 at Wise Guys Las Vegas Town Square.

Portrait of casino executive Steve

Portrait of casino executive Steve

The Culinary Union, representing approximately 700 striking workers, praised Hofstetter's decision. Union secretary-treasurer Ted Pappageorge called it "a courageous stand for justice and fairness," noting ongoing concerns about Virgin Las Vegas's treatment of workers, including threats of permanent replacement and deportation issues.

The strike, which began November 15, centers on wage disputes. The union claims Virgin Las Vegas offered only about 30 cents per hour in wage increases, significantly lower than recent contracts at other Las Vegas casino-hotels. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas counters that the union is bargaining in bad faith and has not seriously considered their economic proposals.

While the casino proposed binding arbitration to resolve the dispute, the union rejected this option, maintaining that workers should make their own decisions through direct bargaining.

Ticket holders for Hofstetter's January show will receive automatic refunds. The comedian, who has 823,000 YouTube subscribers, encourages fans to attend the rescheduled May performance instead.

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