Police in Las Vegas arrested 57 striking casino workers at a protest outside Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, according to the Culinary Union. The workers had walked off their jobs last week in an effort to secure a new five-year union pay contract. Images and videos shared by the union showed the workers blocking a road in front of the hotel, with some being handcuffed by police. Culinary Union President Diana Valles was also among those arrested. The road that had been closed due to the protests was reopened after the arrests.
The city of Las Vegas is currently hosting the Formula One Grand Prix, adding to the tension surrounding the strike. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, where the protests took place, is owned by JC Hospitality and other partners, but the hotel did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the situation.
Overall, the casino workers at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas took drastic action by striking in hopes of securing better pay and working conditions through a new union contract. The arrests of union members and leaders at the protest demonstrate the intensity of the situation as negotiations remain stalled.
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