Nearly 400 workers at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas are set to picket on November 5, 2025, as they continue to seek a new union contract. The action is organized by the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Terminals 1 and 2 of the airport.
The picket involves cooks, fast food workers, bartenders, servers, and porters employed at Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) such as American Bagel, Bagelmania, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Jamba Juice, Jersey Mike’s, Nathan’s, Port O’Subs, and Wendy’s located throughout the airport.
Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer for the Culinary Union, will be present during the event. Media access for interviews with Pappageorge and workers will be available at Terminal 1 between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
According to the union’s statement: “On November 14th 2025, the Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) face a critical deadline as workers demand a new union contract, protection of health care benefits, and respect after four years without raises.”
Union members have reported that some companies have proposed changes that could threaten health care benefits and reduce recall rights. Many employees say they have not received raises in several years.
The union stated that if an agreement is not reached by November 14th, members are prepared to take further action. “Culinary Union members employed at the DBE’s are prepared to implement strategic strike actions – potentially including short-term, long-term, or rolling strikes – that could significantly impact operations at the Harry Reid International Airport ahead of the busy holiday season in Las Vegas.”
The Culinary Workers Union Local 226 represents approximately 60,000 workers in Las Vegas and Reno through its affiliation with UNITE HERE. The union’s membership is diverse—comprising mainly Latino/a and immigrant workers—and it has played a significant role in advocating for labor rights in Nevada for nearly nine decades.
The Culinary Health Fund provides insurance coverage for over 120,000 Nevadans who are union members or their dependents.
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