LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A group of workers with Culinary Union Local 226 have held demonstrations outside union headquarters over concerns surrounding healthcare and raises, which union leaders say are driven by “misinformation.”
Protesters have held demonstrations for several weeks. Organizers tell FOX5 that more than 2,000 petition signatures call for financial transparency on issues surrounding healthcare funds and distribution of raises.
Workers outside the Thursday night protest voiced concerns about access to doctors at four Culinary Union clinics; healthcare at the clinics is provided for free (workers that visit outside specialists are charged a copay). Some workers describe wait times to see a doctor and may see a “nurse practitioner” during a visit.
“60,000 members into four clinics. There’s no way you’re going to get a timely visit to a doctor,” said worker Charles Pierre.
A union spokesperson tells FOX5 the average time to see a preferred doctor is 10 days; a quicker appointment with a nurse practitioner is common practice in many medical clinics, she said.
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Workers also have questions about forthcoming raises in October, and what went into decisions surrounding them. One member called for different leadership that provides more transparency. “That they have the ethics of showing the funds that they are acquiring and that they are transparent in the way they are spending,” a worker named Rocio said.
Union officials tell FOX5 that while leaders have worked to get the highest possible wage increases for all members, the rising costs of healthcare and free healthcare contribute to challenges for higher raises.
Out of 60,000 union members, 1,000 elected shop stewards and a number of actuaries oversee decisions on health funds, pensions and housing funds.
“We spent many months in negotiations for many years, especially this one, and we have an agreement, you know, that some portion go to the health care and wages,” said shop steward and guest room attendant Claudia Ramos.
“I understand they’re concerned because they have misinformation. That’s why they are upset. But they need to know the truth,” said shop steward and guest room attendant Angela Perez.
During a Thursday night meeting with shop stewards, union officials provided information to share with union members on various concerns.
Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer for the Culinary Union, released the following statement:
“A majority of Culinary Union members have gotten over $5 an hour wage increase since November 2023 and will get another big wage increase on October 1, 2026. Meanwhile, Culinary Union has won the best healthcare for 60,000 members with FREE primary care, pediatrics, walk-in care, labs, radiology, physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, mental health, and full family coverage including vision and dental with NO monthly premiums and NO deductibles.
FREE FREE FREE. We are all outraged by the skyrocketing cost of healthcare and will continue to fight for great wage increases and the best healthcare for 60,000 Culinary Union members.”
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