Geoconda Argüello-Kline is the Former Secretary-Treasurer for the Culinary Workers Union, Local 226. She was born and raised in Managua, Nicaragua and came to the United States of America as a political refugee in 1979 and then moved to the Las Vegas Valley in 1983.
In February 2022, Geoconda Argüello-Kline retired from the Culinary Union after 32 years of organizing and leading the Culinary Union for the past 10 years as Secretary-Treasurer. Under the leadership of Geoconda Argüello-Kline, there is no other organization in Nevada that has done more to support working families during the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis than the Culinary Union.
“These past 10 years, I have had the honor of being the Secretary-Treasurer for the Culinary Union after D. Taylor, a great leader and my dear brother (who I’ve worked with for 32 years!) became president of UNITE HERE. It’s been my honor to have had the opportunity to represent and advocate for the tremendous rank-and-file workers in my 32-years of organizing,” said Geoconda Argüello-Kline, former Secretary-Treasurer for the Culinary Union. “I’m proud to see what Culinary Union members have been able to achieve in 87-years and I’m thankful to every Culinary Union member who has worked so hard to preserve and grow member benefits against incredible odds. It’s been a blessing to organize alongside the amazing team at the Culinary Union - we’ve been through so much and worked so hard, but we stayed united and I’m moved to see what we have accomplished together."
“There is truly nothing we didn’t try or do in the fight to protect workers, organize, expand benefits, demand our fair share as companies made record profits, elect political leaders who will represent workers, hold elected leaders accountable for their actions or inactions, and champion issues that are important to working families,” continued Argüello-Kline. “Everyday the Culinary Union kept the focus on protecting workers and we have achieved that in our 87 years. The strikes, picket lines, work-and-walks, protests, rallies, civil disobediences, delegations, petition deliveries, strike votes, contract ratifications, citywide committee meetings, and EDR actions will forever be in my mind of the incredible power Culinary Union members have built.”
“I congratulate my union brother Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge, who I have worked side-by-side with for over 30 years, and my union sister President Diana Valles on their new roles - they will ensure the Culinary Union and members continue to come back stronger than ever,” continued Argüello-Kline. “The leadership at the Culinary Union remains strong, experienced, and courageous. The time ahead looks promising and I look forward to seeing Culinary Union members and our families continue to thrive.”
Geoconda was born and raised in Managua, Nicaragua and came to the United States of America as a political refugee in 1979 and then moved to the Las Vegas Valley in 1983. While Geoconda worked as a guest room attendant at the Fitzgerald’s Hotel (now The D Hotel & Casino), a difficult contract fight resulted in 6 months of daily picketing outside the property in 1989. Her desire to obtain better working conditions and protect her family with good health care benefits led her to become involved with the Culinary Union as a negotiating committee leader and a picket line captain. In 1990, Geoconda joined the staff at the Culinary Union. Throughout her career at the Culinary Union she has held many positions: She was a Lead Organizer in the Frontier Strike, a Director in the Rio Campaign, Organizing Coordinator of the Housekeeping Study Campaign, and Staff Trainer of Organizers and Lead Organizers.
Geoconda holds the following leadership positions: Chairwomen of the Board of the IWCP (Citizenship Project) and member of the Las Vegas Stadium Authority Board.