FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, April 6, 2020
MEDIA CONTACT:
Bethany Khan: bkhan@culinaryunion226.org ▪ (702) 387-7088
STATEMENT from Geoconda Argüello-Kline regarding SEIU 1107 workers:
The Culinary Union stands with SEIU Local 1107 and condemns Clark County Manager Yolanda King’s decision to suspend collective bargaining agreements for thousands of frontline healthcare workers.
Using a global pandemic as an excuse to suspend collective bargaining agreements for frontline workers fighting Coronavirus (COVID-19) is shameful. Clark County should be finding ways to support healthcare workers fighting this deadly virus, not suspend collective bargaining agreements that were negotiated in good faith.
As the COVID-19 crisis continues to worsen, stripping away workplace protections that collective bargaining agreements provide is a dangerous decision that will have a negative impact on worker morale. Healthcare workers are already working long hours and putting their own health at risk in an effort to keep Nevadans safe and stop the spread of COVID-19. SEIU 1107 workers need support, not another source of stress.
Instead of suspending collective bargaining agreements, Clark County should be focused on providing all frontline healthcare workers and support staff with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which is already in short supply throughout Las Vegas. Every day, healthcare workers put their personal and families’ health at risk - old or non-existent PPE increases their risk, which is unacceptable.
SEIU Local 1107 has offered to work with Clark County officials on specific issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Clark County should take them up on this offer rather than taking the drastic step of suspending collective bargaining agreements.
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ABOUT CULINARY UNION:
Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165, Nevada affiliates of UNITE HERE, represent 60,000 workers in Las Vegas and Reno, including at most of the casino resorts on the Las Vegas Strip and in Downtown Las Vegas. UNITE HERE represents 300,000 workers in gaming, hotel, and food service industries in North America.
The Culinary Union, through the Culinary Health Fund, is one of the largest healthcare consumers in the state. The Culinary Health Fund is sponsored by the Culinary Union and Las Vegas-area employers. It provides health insurance coverage for over 145,000 Nevadans, the Culinary Union’s members and their dependents.
The Culinary Union is Nevada’s largest immigrant organization with members who come from 178 countries and speak over 40 different languages. We are proud to have helped over 18,000 immigrants become American citizens and new voters since 2001 through our affiliate, The Citizenship Project.
The Culinary Union has a diverse membership -- approximately 55% women, 54% Latinx, 19% White, 15% Asian, 10% Black, and less than 1% Indigenous Peoples — and consists of guest room attendants, cocktail and food servers, porters, bellmen, cooks, bartenders, laundry and kitchen workers. The Culinary Union has been fighting for fair wages, job security, and good health benefits for workers in Nevada for 85 years.
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CulinaryUnion226.org / @Culinary226