The Culinary is still negotiating contracts with several smaller Las Vegas properties. (Photo courtesy Culinary Workers Union Local 226)
The Culinary Union will not endorse a candidate in Nevada’s Democratic presidential caucuses.
The announcement came via Secretary-Treasurer Geoconda Argüello-Kline during a press conference held Thursday afternoon, one day after the powerful Nevada union’s critique of Sen. Bernie Sanders garnered national attention, including some backlash.
“We’re going to endorse our goals. That’s what we’re doing,” said Argüello-Kline during the press conference. Those three goals are: “one job should be enough,” protecting health care and expanding health care to everyone, and immigration reform.
Following the Culinary’s announcement, Sanders issued a statement addressing the Culinary’s months-long criticism of Medicare for All, while defending the proposal. “I would never do anything to diminish the health care that unions and workers have fought for,” Sanders said. “Under Medicare for All, health care will be preserved and expanded for all, including unionized casino workers and service staff, uninsured food service workers, and striking workers fighting for their rights.”
Sanders also addressed complaints from Culinary that his supporters had been harassing the union on social media and by phone and email. “Harassment of all forms is unacceptable to me, and we urge supporters of all campaigns not to engage in bullying or ugly personal attacks,” Sanders said.
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