Las Vegas, NV - Today, negotiation committee members from Culinary 226 and Bartenders 165 met with representatives from Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts for the first 2013 contract meeting. Chief negotiator, D. Taylor, laid out the top priorities for 2013 to all involved.
They are:
Health and Welfare - The health care industry is increasing costs at double digit levels and the requirements of the Affordable Care Act will put additional stress on our Health Fund. We must protect our access to affordable and quality health care.
Pension – We deserve the right to retire with dignity. Our pension must be protected.
Food & Beverage - The cutbacks and closures to restaurants have been devastating to our brothers and sisters who work in those jobs. We must figure out how our companies open more restaurants with good jobs for us, instead of close them.
Growth - Our companies will enjoy substantial growth around the country in new gaming markets that are developing. In order for us to protect what we have, we want to grow with our companies.
Wages – We must continue to have wage increases that allow us to provide for ourselves and our families.
The next negotiating session will take place on April 15.
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, the AFL-CIO and Union Plus have established a scholarship fund for union members and their spouses, children, and grandchildren. The Dreams of Jobs and Freedom Scholarships are available for the 2013-14 academic year, and applications are due by July 1. For more information and application materials, go here.
The Time is Now for comprehensive immigration reform! Join us in the March for Citizenship. May 1, 2013 at 4:30pm at the Federal Building (333 S. Las Vegas Blvd).
Want to march with the Culinary Union? Wear a red shirt! See you there! Event details: http://on.fb.me/ZlJUll
Sen. Reid to Headline List of Speakers at May Day March For Citizenship
Reid will join community leaders and those impacted by broken system to rally for immigration reform
LAS VEGAS, NV – Today, a coalition of community organizations, labor, and faith leaders announced that Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) will headline a list of speakers for the May 1st March for Citizenship.
The speakers will advocate for the passage of comprehensive immigration reform legislation currently pending in the U.S. Senate, which would improve workplace rights for immigrants, provide a pathway to citizenship, and keep families together.
“We are proud to have the leadership and voice of Senator Reid on this critical issue, and know that our coalition will help make the dream of comprehensive immigration reform a reality,” said Danny Thompson, Executive Secretary Treasurer of the Nevada State AFL-CIO and coalition partner. “Our neighbors know the time is now to pass comprehensive immigration reform, and this march will show our community’s commitment to this important cause.”
Senator Reid will be joined by members of the Nevada Congressional Delegation, labor leaders, and others who will be impacted by the passage of comprehensive immigration reform. A complete tentative list of speakers can be found below:
March For Citizenship
What: Rally for passage of comprehensive immigration reform, followed by a march down S Las Vegas Blvd. and a secondary speaking program
When: First speaking program; 5:00pm – 5:30pm, March south on S Las Vegas Blvd.; 5:40pm – 6:10pm, Second speaking program; 6:20pm – 7:00pm
Where: First speaking program; Lloyd George Federal Building, 333 S Las Vegas Blvd. (NOTE: Press check in will be at corner of S Las Vegas Blvd. and Bridger Ave. Space for television cameras will be roped off at the NE corner of the steps to the building). Second speaking program; S. Las Vegas Blvd and E. St. Louis Ave.
Who: Nevada labor and community organizations including Nevada State AFL-CIO, Culinary Union 226, Laborer's Union 872, Painter's Union District 15, United Steelworkers of Nevada, USW, Service Employees International Union Local 1107, Mi Familia Vota, MFV, Nevada Alliance of Retired Americans, NARA, Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, PLAN, DREAM Big Vegas, DBV, National Council of La Raza, NCLR, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, APALA, Hermandad Mexicana Las Vegas, Immigration Reform for Nevada, IRN, National Federation of Filipino American Associations, NAFFAA, Yo Soy 132, Consejo Latino, El Concilio Hispano, MEChA de UNLV, Hispanics in Politics, Federacion de Mexico D.F., Asociacion de los Mujeres Michoacanas, Inmigrantes Trabajando Saldremos Adelante, ITSA, Madres por la Justicia, and others.
Speakers include:
Sen. Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader
President Lee Saunders, AFSCME
Executive Secretary Treasurer Danny Thompson, NV AFL-CIO
Congressman Steve Horsford (NV-4)
Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-1)
Community members who have been impacted by immigration system and will tell their personal story
Our coalition of labor, community organizations, and faith leaders has joined forces in supporting three main principles:
1) A Pathway to Citizenship for aspiring American citizens. 2) Keeping our families together. 3) Defending workplace rights and improving standards for all workers.
Nevadans support immigration reform, and the Time is NOW for congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform. Join us!
If you would like to march with the Culinary Union wear a red shirt!
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LAS VEGAS MAY DAY COALITION GROUPS
Nevada State AFL-CIO,
Culinary Union 226,
Laborer's Union 872, LiUNA
Painter's Union District 15, IUPAT
United Steelworkers of Nevada, USW
Service Employees International Union Local 1107, SEIU
Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Union 162,
Mi Familia Vota, MFV
Nevada Alliance of Retired Americans, NARA
Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, PLAN
DREAM Big Vegas, DBV
National Council of La Raza, NCLR
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, APALA
Hermandad Mexicana Las Vegas
Immigration Reform for Nevada, IRN
National Federation of Filipino American Associations, NAFFAA,
*Note: This is not a Culinary Union press release.*
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For Immediate Release
April 23, 2013
Christina Walsh: 512.407.9020
Albany, N.Y. – Today, leaders of New York women’s groups, state legislators and advocates for sexual and domestic assault survivors will call on the New York State Assembly to uphold the ban against professional human cage fighting events and to vote against Assembly Bill 6506, which would legalize these events.
Fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and others associated with cage fighting, also known as “mixed-martial arts,” have joked about rape in public and made sexually explicit remarks that are demeaning towards women.
“New York Deserves better,” said Connie Neal, Executive Director of the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “Our elected leaders should not condone the negative attitudes and beliefs about violence against women that are glorified in professional human cage fighting. We strongly urge the Assembly to vote `No’ on Assembly Bill 6506 and uphold the ban.”
“Cage fighting has no place in a civilized society,” said Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee. “Except for those who stand to profit from this barbaric entertainment masquerading as sport, cage fighting causes great harm. It harms the fighters who risk their very lives and are sometimes killed. It harms women who are victimized by the glorification of distorted masculinity that cage fighting represents. It harms impressionable children as well as young people who are taught to believe that human brutality is a spectator sport.”
State and national organizations that support the existing ban against human cage fighting include the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NYSCASA), the National Organization for Women (NOW)-New York State, End Violence Against Women International, and the National Organization for Men Against Sexism (NOMAS), among others. (You can read their March 15th letter to State Assembly members here: http://bit.ly/ZJ9i1r)
“Mixed Martial Arts is a great marketing ploy,” said Assemblywoman Deborah J. Glick. “It is really ultimate fighting, which runs counter to all our efforts to reduce the impulse among people -- especially young people -- to resort to violent interaction. Society needs to send better messages to young people encouraging non-violent games of sport.”
Last year, UFC fighter Quinton “Rampage” Jackson appeared in an online video in which he pretends to attempt to rape a woman in a parking garage using chloroform and zip ties. Another UFC cage fighter Forrest Griffin wrote the following message on his Twitter account: "Man that bitch is so tough she uses a wooden dildo because she likes the splinters!"
Earlier this month, Joe Rogan, who does commentary for UFC televised events, posted the following messages on Twitter: “I view women that don’t like children the same way I view dogs that like to eat their own shit,” and “To the white knights coming to the defense of women who hate kids—they’re still not going to fuck you weak bitches.”
Despite public criticism for tolerating such offensive language, the UFC recently released a “Fighter Conduct Policy” that does not expressly prohibit obscene language and is more tolerant of misconduct than similar codes used by other professional sports organizations. The UFC policy gives the UFC discretion in deciding whether to impose discipline and what discipline to impose. The policy does not apply to people associated with the UFC who are not fighters.
“The UFC Fighter Conduct Policy does not come close to ensuring that the offensive language and jokes will change,” said Deborah Tucker, Executive Director of the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence.
Details
Who: Women’s Groups, Legislators and Advocates for Survivors of Sexual and Domestic Assault
What: Press Conference calling on State Assembly Members to vote “NO” on Assembly Bill 6506
When: Tuesday, April 23, 1 p.m. EST
Where: LCA Press Room, Room 130, Legislative Office Building
SeaWorld San Diego and Culinary Workers Union, Local #226
Present
SeaWorld Animal Experts, educators and some amazing animals will visit Worldstrides Heritage Performance Programsemployees. It’s all part of the SeaWorld Cares tour which highlights the park’s education and conservation programs, and all that’s new at SeaWorld, including Madagascar, Manta, and Aquatica, a waterpark created by SeaWorld! Coming June 2013
Come and be a part of the celebration!
Thursday April 25th, 2013
3:00-4:00pm
At The Culinary Union (1630 S. Commerce St. Las Vegas)
Don’t forget your camera!
SeaWorld Animal Ambassadors may include and are subject to change:
Red-Ruffed Lemur, Black & White Lemur, Chameleons and more.
Samuel Savalli, 63, of Henderson, passed away April 12, 2013. He was born Dec. 15, 1949, in Henderson. He was employed by the Culinary Union, Local Union 226 as a special project director. He is survived by his wife, Lori; daughter, Samantha; and sister, Janet Savalli. Memorial services will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 18, at Palm Mortuary, 800 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the We Heart Maggie Memorial Golf Tournament at Black Mountain Golf Course in Henderson.
At our second negotiating session with MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment we identified the 5 building blocks to allow us the Opportunity to Provide:
1) Protecting our health and welfare, and pension. 2) Regaining Food & Beverage jobs and securing new job opportunities in F&B. 3) Growth in Las Vegas and continuing our partnership with our companies throughout North America. 4) Economic prosperity through wages, benefits, and growth. 5) Values, which includes among other things, good wholesome meals to provide energy we need to produce a good days work.
Other issues addressed: *Successorship update to protect us in case bought or sold. *Figure out much quicker resolutions for grievances and arbitration. *Begin process of scheduling subcommittees including bells banquets, F&B, housekeeping etc...
Next actions coming up: May 1: Opportunity to Provide March and Rally for Immigration Reform. May 20: Strike and Fight Vote at Cashman Field.
Station Casinos: Hear Thy Workers God hears your workers' cries for Justice. All of our faith traditions support the rights of workers to freely organize or not without intimidation or coercion. We pray you soften your hearts, hear your workers, and agree to a fair process.
My babies are the main reason that I am involved with the union. When I came to the Cosmo two years ago I was given hope that with our union recognition would come a timely contract and the Culinary union health insurance… the best health insurance. My oldest son was born prematurely and with a blood disorder and my newest addition was born with a congenital defect.
We are all here for the same basic reasons and we are all making similar personal and economic sacrifices for this contract.
I will sacrifice anything today to provide for my family tomorrow.
The ULAN is collaborating with Financial Guidance Center (a non-profit agency) to provide free tax preparation for Union members. IRS certified advanced tax preparers will help prepare your 2012 tax returns, apply for EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) and file electronically FREE for union members regardless of income.
Site opens February 4, 2013 to April 13, 2013, Monday – Saturday 9am to 3pm First Come First Serve, No appointments.
Financial Guidance Center Education Center 2660 S. Jones Blvd., LV NV 89146 (2 blocks south of Sahara on Jones)
For additional information, please call 702-364-0344
H&R BLOCK
The H&B Block is offering two discounts to Culinary Union members that DID NOT use H&R Block last year.
FREE Second Look®: If you didn't use H&R Block, bring in your return for a FREE Second Look® Review. H&R Block can uncover differences which may lead to bigger refunds. They will look back up to 3 years. Bring in your 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 returns for a Second Look today. For more information, please visit hrblock.com/1040EZ.
$15 OFF on your tax preparation service (may not be used for Form 1040EZ) for new H&R Block clients. This offer expires April 30, 2013.
It is a tremendous honor to accept the Champions of Change Award because the life and work of Cesar Chavez inspires me every day. Chavez's legacy continues on in the hundreds of thousands of workers who come together to demand justice. I am proud to call these men and women my union sisters and brothers.
When staying at a hotel, most people don't think about the housekeeper who made their bed, the kitchen worker who cleaned their plate, or the cook who prepared their meal. UNITE HERE has worked for decades to ensure these “invisible workers” and their basic needs – good healthcare, decent wages and job security -are not overlooked. The union has provided thousands of people the opportunity to provide better lives for themselves and their families. In Las Vegas, the Culinary Workers Local 226 has helped build the city's middle class. The union has focused on empowering its members to win their contracts and ultimately their future.
However, the work of the labor movement goes beyond the workplace. My work is centered on ensuring workers have a strong voice in their communities. I was lucky to land in Las Vegas as a neighborhood organizer during the 2010 elections. For most of five months, I spent every day knocking on doors and talking to voters in predominantly Latino neighborhoods. This gave me a clear understanding of local issues facing Las Vegans, including a weak education system and lackluster housing market. In my time at the union, I have been able to work with members and tackle these challenges head on.
During the 2011 Legislative session, Local 226 founded an organization called Nevada Students Unite Here. I directed a campaign to support education funding and prevent budget cuts. Our campaign led to over 8,000 contacts with students, parents, and union members who were deeply concerned with the issues. Ultimately, by working with community and political allies, we were able to guarantee that devastating cuts were not made to the education budget. It was tremendously empowering to represent our members and their families on such an important issue. As the Legislature convenes again this year, I am working on helping to pass legislation that protects underwater homeowners. I’m also focused on bills that will improve the quality of care in Nevada’s healthcare system.
The most important work I’m doing involves union members and immigration reform. As the daughter of immigrants, it is tremendously important for me that comprehensive reform be made a reality. It is easy to understand why UNITE HERE has been at the forefront of the immigration debate. My union represents workers from more than 100 countries. In Vegas alone there are workers from 84 nations. These members came in search of a better future; one with good jobs and opportunities for their families. Ten years ago, my union organized the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride as part of a national campaign for comprehensive reform. We have stood by the DREAMers, hosted DACA application fairs, and will do whatever it takes to support the Administration’s push for reform. I have the privilege of speaking to workers about the issue and mobilizing them into action.
Cesar Chavez envisioned a world where all workers, regardless of their job or nationality could have dignity in the workplace. By training union members to be leaders at work and in their communities, I believe UNITE HERE is making Chavez’s vision a reality.
