In this episode of Eye on Las Vegas, host Barry Shore engages in a robust conversation with Ted Pappageorge, the Secretary-Treasurer and former President of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226, Nevada's largest union. Ted shares the union's recent significant victory in negotiating a groundbreaking contract after years of struggle. This episode sheds light on the importance of workers' rights, job security, and the human impact of unions in Las Vegas, a city that sees millions of visitors annually but relies on a dedicated workforce to keep its hospitality industry thriving. Ted discusses the challenges union workers face, the importance of respect and protection in the workplace, and the implications of their recent win for nationwide labor movements.

Key Takeaways:

• Las Vegas Tourism Stats: Las Vegas sees nearly 41 million visitors annually, vastly outnumbering the local population of 2.8 million, emphasizing the city’s heavy reliance on its workforce.
• Union’s Role: The Culinary Workers Union Local 226, with over 60,000 members, plays a critical role in maintaining the hospitality industry in Las Vegas, ensuring fair working conditions and benefits for workers.
• Recent Victory: Ted discusses a major recent victory in negotiating a contract after more than two decades, highlighting the union’s perseverance and the significance of the win for workers.
• Importance of Job Security: Beyond wages, job security is paramount for workers, especially in an industry where hotels frequently change ownership, often leading to job instability.
• Respect and Dignity: The union’s fight is not just about financial benefits but also about ensuring that workers are respected, protected, and treated as valuable individuals, not just numbers on a ledger.
• Healthcare and Benefits: Health care remains a top concern, and the union’s efforts have ensured that workers receive comprehensive benefits, including job security, pensions, and more.
• Long-term Strategy: The episode delves into the union’s long-term strategy of growing its influence to effectively negotiate with massive corporations, underscoring the importance of unity and strategic planning in labor movements.
• Ted’s Legacy: Ted’s long-standing involvement in the union reflects his dedication to improving workers' lives and securing a better future for the workforce in Las Vegas and beyond.