The Culinary Union released a statement late Friday night:
The Culinary Union is proud to have fought alongside our dear friend, Congressman John Lewis, for decades. He was an incredible hero who always stood with and fought for working people in the struggle for equality and justice.
We are grateful for his leadership, fearless courage, years of sacrifice for justice, and support throughout the 6 years, 4 months, and 10 days Frontier Strike through the present-day organizing drive at Stations Casinos.
We treasure the memory of when Congressman Lewis participated in a 1999 picket at the Venetian Casino regarding the Culinary Union’s campaign to ensure that Las Vegas sidewalks are public, and not private spaces (as the company argued).
“I’m not afraid to be arrested,” said Congressman John Lewis. “I don't like the idea of being arrested, and I don't like the idea of going to jail. But if that's the price one must pay to help dramatize the issue and help them organize, then I'm prepared to pay the price. People have a right to stand in front of a public establishment and engage in an orderly, peaceful protest. Working people must get a fair deal whether they're from the private sector or the public sector. People work very hard, and they deserve to be treated with dignity." (Las Vegas Sun, March 1, 1999)
As we celebrate Congressman Lewis’ legacy, the Culinary Union will strive to carry on the work every day to make Nevada a place where working families can organize and win for our collective liberation.
Rest in power, brother.