The Culinary Union has announced its full support for the Nevada Studio Infrastructure Jobs and Workforce Training Act, known as AB238. The union believes this legislation is essential for diversifying Nevada’s economy and creating union jobs in Las Vegas.
Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge stated, “This bill is critical to diversifying our economy and creating good union jobs in Las Vegas.” The union has reached an agreement on card-check neutrality, allowing workers to choose union representation freely. Pappageorge emphasized the importance of “good-paying, union jobs” for helping working families achieve the American Dream.
The Culinary Union is urging the Nevada Legislature to pass AB238, viewing it as vital for the state’s workforce future.
The Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165 are Nevada affiliates of UNITE HERE. They represent 60,000 workers in Las Vegas and Reno, primarily at casino resorts on the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown Las Vegas. UNITE HERE represents a total of 300,000 workers across North America in gaming, hotel, and food service industries.
Through the Culinary Health Fund, sponsored by both the union and local employers, health insurance coverage is provided to over 145,000 Nevadans. This includes members of the Culinary Union and their dependents.
As Nevada’s largest Latinx/Black/AAPI/immigrant organization, the Culinary Union’s membership comes from 178 countries with speakers of over 40 languages. Since 2001, through The Citizenship Project affiliate, they have assisted more than 18,000 immigrants in becoming American citizens and voters.
The membership demographics include approximately 54% Latino/a individuals, with women making up 55% of its members and immigrants accounting for 60%. Members work in various roles such as guest room attendants, servers, porters, cooks, bartenders, laundry staff, and kitchen workers. The Culinary Union has been advocating for working families in Nevada for nine decades.
