With the Adult Entertainment Expo (AEE) and the AVN Awards quickly approaching, members of the Adult Performance Artists Guild (APAG) are concerned due to the current labor strike happening at Virgin LV, the event’s host hotel. Culinary Union Local 226 has been on strike since November 15, 2024, demanding a fair pay increase and a new contract for their workers.
As the union for performers in the adult industry, care for the safety and well-being of our workers is paramount to our mission. We feel this for not only our members and other workers in the adult industry but for all workers, regardless of their jobs. As union representatives, we support the sacrifices made by workers on strike, fighting for better working conditions.
The officers of APAG voted unanimously to support our fellow union workers in Culinary Workers Local 226, and we will not cross their picket line in a show of solidarity. We strongly encourage all members of APAG to follow suit, avoid crossing the picket lines, and show your support by doing any of the following:
- Contact AVN via support@avn.com
- Contact Virgin via https://x.com/VirginHotelsLV
- Contact the companies you’re signing with and express your concern.
- Follow Culinary Workers Local 226 https://x.com/Culinary226
- Do not cross the picket line, join it!
- Cancel your reservations at the hotel!
- Post your support to your socials and tag #Culinary226
The following letter was emailed to the team at AVN including Owner Tony Rios, Editor Dan Miller, and Staff Writer Peter Warren January 9, 2025. APAG Counsel James Felton and AVN Publicist Brian Gross were CC’d on the email.
Dear Tony, Dan, and Peter,
The show is coming very quickly and as you already know, many performers, including our members, have expressed severe concerns regarding the strike at the hotel by the workers and staff union Culinary Workers Local 226. The current strike brings a few issues to the table.
As a union, our governing bylaws do not allow for our officers or members to cross strike lines. This would be an act of union busting. We are strictly prohibited from doing so. Because many models have already booked nonrefundable flights and accommodations, they will not only lose the money spent, they will be losing income from the event itself by not attending. What do you tell those members? How do they recover their lost pay?
This is an issue beyond our members, as many other unions in this country follow the same system of support. This will impede attendance and call into question support for workers seeking a fair contract. As union workers, we must step forward and support other workers in their call to action.
Dozens of performers have contacted you via twitter expressing their concern and dismay. While the FAQ may seem helpful, the attitude of “the show will go on” lacks empathy for the dignity of workers on strike. This is incredibly tone-deaf to our community and the models are making themselves loud and clear.
We ask you to reconsider your current relationship with Virgin Hotels LV, and stand up for workers!
The Board of the Adult Performance Artists Guild
Alana Evans, APAG President
Kelly Pierce, APAG Vice President
Amber Lynn, APAG Sergeant At Arms
BodyOfBenin, APAG Board Member
India Morel, APAG Board Member
Destiny Red, APAG Board Member
James Felton, APAG Lead Counsel
Jorge Reano, APAG Parliamentarian
Trey D, APAG Steward
