Congresswoman Susie Lee   ·   Link to Article

Rep. Susie Lee: ‘There Are Always Cases that Affirm the Need for Robust Worker Protections’

The following is a statement from Debra Jeffries regarding her current employment situation, which is protected by her Culinary Workers Union Local 226 contract:  

"I definitely wouldn’t still be in my job if I weren’t a member of the Culinary Union. Having a union contract protects workers like me. As a cocktail server who is 64-years-old, my union contract enables me to continue working—no matter my age.  

“Cocktail servers at another casino decided not to be union, and shortly after their casino was sold, they were all fired and told to re-audition for their jobs. None of them made it through the hiring process because they were all over 30-years old! Non-union workers as they age are also under a lot of pressure to look a certain way and even maintain their weight. 

“After I had breast cancer, I was able to easily negotiate a change in my uniform to better cover my scar. As a union worker, I have direct input into my uniform and cocktail servers have the opportunity to wear a jacket if we want to wear over our uniform vs. just a strapless dress. 

“My Culinary Union contract ensures I am treated with respect and that I don’t face age discrimination or any other unfair treatment or expectations. I’m paid the same as men, I have seniority at work and a pension so I can retire with dignity one day, and I can’t be denied work opportunities or promotions due to favoritism or my age." 

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