LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Culinary Union participated in civil disobedience Wednesday night as contract negotiations with Harry Reid International Airport restaurants continue.
Two dozen people were detained during the demonstration at Tropicana and University Parkway, according to the union.
Union members are demanding a new contract with disadvantaged business enterprises at the airport. The Culinary and Bartenders unions represent nearly 400 hospitality workers employed at 21 outlets inside Harry Reid International Airport.
Union members voted unanimously on November 12 to authorize a strike. The union has not set a strike date while negotiations continue.
Workers are seeking meaningful raises, with many not receiving increases in three to four years, and protection of health care benefits.
“As of November 14th, the strike deadline for the LAS Airport DBE’s has past and we are prepared to call for a strike at anytime at the LAS Airport if a tentative agreement on a new union contract is not reached as soon as possible,” said Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer for the Culinary Union.
Pappageorge said a strike could significantly impact operations at Harry Reid International Airport ahead of the busy holiday season in Las Vegas.
The union represents workers employed as cooks, fast food workers, bartenders, servers and porters at airport disadvantaged business enterprises.
Jacob Ramos, a porter and kiosk attendant at Moe’s Southwest Grill and five-year union member, said workers are ready to strike for better conditions.
“We’re ready to strike for what’s right and to win a better future for our families and each other,” Ramos said. “One job should be enough.”
Laura Velez, a crew member at Nathan’s and eight-year union member, said workers need raises to keep up with inflation.
“After four years without raises, I’m not making enough to cover necessities from housing, food, and gas, especially since everything has gone up with inflation,” Velez said.
FOX5 reached out to HMS Host, which controls the enterprises, for comment but has not yet heard back.
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