Vice President Kamala Harris came to Las Vegas on Wednesday to meet with members of the powerful Culinary Union, which represents nearly 60,000 casino workers in Nevada. 

The event was billed as a “celebration” after union negotiators secured an historic 5-year contract with the three largest casino employers in Las Vegas. 

It also served as reassurance for the 7,700 workers at 23 independent casinos in Nevada who are still negotiating new contracts.  

“Workers know we've got backup and political leadership that values working families, and that's a big deal for us.” Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge said. “It gives us hope and strength.”

Power of Collective Bargaining 

Harris spoke for about 15 minutes in front of a crowd of more than 200 at the Culinary Union headquarters.

She noted the power of collective bargaining, and attempted to put Culinary Union efforts on the picket lines in historical context. Harris said they were setting new standards for labor negotiations in other industries.

“It’s not only about what you’ve done for your own members,” Harris said, “you are also setting a standard for workers across the board. By accomplishing what you have here, at Culinary 226, you are setting a new standard for workers everywhere.” 

Harris previously met with this group in October as the Culinary and Bartenders Unions were preparing for a possible strike.

In November, the union successfully negotiated the largest pay raise in history – 32% over five years. Other terms of the new casino workers contract included improved health and retirement benefits, a guarantee that union jobs would be protected amid new technology, and improved safety conditions for housekeeping staff. Housekeepers also got casinos to commit to mandatory daily room cleaning.

“I came back to say thank you,” Harris said. “What you did here is making a difference in the lives of people who you may never meet, who may never know your name.”

After the speech she walked the crowd, shaking hands and taking selfies with workers. 

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su stuck around for a more intimate chat with union members at the employee dining hall. 

A host of Nevada politicians also spoke at the event, including Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, Reps. Dina Titus, Steven Horsford, and Susie Lee, and Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford.

Vice President Kamala Harris shook hands and took pictures with casino workers in Las Vegas. (Image: courtesy of Culinary Union #226)

Courting the Working Class

This meeting occurred on the same day that Republican presidential contender Donald Trump met with the head of the Teamsters, in his effort to court the union vote. 

Both Trump and President Joe Biden have been attempting to align themselves with union workers, particularly in midwestern swing states. This fall, the United Auto Workers ended coordinated strikes against the top automakers. 

The UAW also represents almost 4,000 casino workers in Detroit. They ended a 47-day strike against the MGM Grand Detroit in early December.