“This strike is something that is serious. It’s a big decision for workers to make. But this company gives them no other choice,” said Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge.

Pappageorge says Virgin Hotels is offering no wage increases to workers after months of negotiations.

“We have private equity firms, Wall Street banks, that are among the ownership of Virgin Hotel that are incredibly wealthy but have been offering zero wage increases in their proposals over the next five years to these workers and that’s unacceptable. So, this is the company of zero now,” said Pappageorge.

Regarding allegations of bad faith bargaining, Pappageorge called that a “company stunt” saying the union offered multiple bargaining dates that Virgin refused. He also rejected mediation, which Virgin asked of the Culinary Union to avoid a strike.

“We don’t need a mediator to explain to workers the value of zero. Workers are not stupid. They’re very smart. And it’s just another slap in the face from this company, unfortunately,” he said.