Shortly after being named president of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas in mid-2023, Cliff Atkinson set out to unwind the complicated operational structure that saw nearly three dozen entities managing the property’s multiple businesses — including the 1,500-room hotel and 60,000-square-foot casino.
Atkinson, however, didn’t count on a 69-day strike by more than 700 non-gaming employees represented by Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Local 165. The strike — which ended Jan. 22 with a new contract for workers — disrupted operations and slowed the restructuring plans.
But there’s renewed optimism at the resort.
In the past few months, Atkinson’s team took control of the Virgin’s casino from Connecticut tribal operator Mohegan Gaming and Hilton Hotels was removed as the lodging operator, although the resort is still considered a Hilton franchise. The hotel is now managed by Virgin employees.
