Labor unions call for a ceasefire in Gaza, but sticking with Democrats loyal to Israel – so far

Nevada’s largest unions, Culinary Local 226 and SEIU Nevada, want an end to the fighting between Israel and Hamas and a return of the hostages kidnapped by terrorists on Oct. 7. 

A day after its parent union, UNITE HERE, called for a ceasefire and announced it’s “resolved to address the war in a way that builds solidarity within our union,” Local 226 issued its own statement, calling for “immediate action towards a just and lasting solution to ensure the freeing of hostages and freedom for Palestinians.” 

The state’s congressional delegates have remained steadfast in their support of Israel thus far. 

“As I’ve said, the situation in the region is dire and a mutual, temporary pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas is necessary to secure the return of hostages and ensure critical humanitarian aid reaches Gaza,” said Rep. Susie Lee, a Democrat. Lee has not called for a permanent end to the war.

In a statement to the Current, Rep. Steven Horsford commended the Biden administration for building a temporary port to “ensure food, medicine and water is supplied to innocent civilians in Gaza, especially women and children.

He added that Israel has a right to defend itself and Hamas “should be eliminated. It matters how it is done. Like others calling for peace and security in the region, I stand with those seeking a peaceful resolution for the Israeli and Palestinian people.”

Horsford,  in his capacity as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, called for extending a previous truce to allow for more hostages to be released from Gaza. Horsford is  a former CEO of the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas.

Rep. Dina Titus says Israel “must make every effort to reduce the loss of innocent civilian lives. The high death toll of civilians in Gaza is unacceptable. Let us not forget Israel has negotiated in good faith to come to a ceasefire agreement. Hamas has repeatedly rejected these offers. A ceasefire agreement could be reached tomorrow if not for Hamas’s steadfast, stubborn, and destructive position.”

She noted Israel has seen a “dramatic uptick in the amount of rocket attacks from Iranian-backed militants. I will always be in total support of providing defense funding for technologies like the Iron Dome and David’s Sling for Israel to defend its people.”

Sen. Jacky Rosen who, along with Lee, Horsford and Titus, faces re-election this year, has not called for an end to the war and did not respond to requests for comment on the union calls for a ceasefire. 

A bill sponsored by Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO), urging the Biden administration “to immediately call for and facilitate deescalation and a cease-fire to urgently end the current violence,” and “to promptly send and facilitate the entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza,” has no co-sponsors from Nevada. 

Culinary spokeswoman Bethany Khan declined to say whether the union is calling for a permanent ceasefire or a temporary truce, in order to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians and secure the release of hostages, including at least six Americans.

Will Culinary and other union members, who are relied on, especially by Democrats, to turn out voters, be willing to give it their all for candidates who have failed to condemn Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hard line? 

“We will be answering these questions on Culinary Union’s timeline, which is not today,” Khan said via email. 

Last month, the New York Times reported that Netanyahu said a ceasefire would not affect his plans to invade Rafah, where 1.4 million Palestinians are struggling for survival.

“If we have a deal, it’ll be delayed somewhat. But it’ll happen,” he said. “If we don’t have a deal, we’ll do it anyway.”

Unions, such as the 60,000 member Culinary and SEIU Nevada, which represents 20,000 public sector and hospital workers, have already hitched their wagons to Pres. Joe Biden’s re-election campaign, leaving labor with little leverage to persuade lawmakers to work toward a ceasefire. 

Barring potential third party candidates on the ballot, advocates for peace appear to have one alternative to Biden – Donald Trump.  

“Our union fully supports President Joe Biden, and the decision was an easy one,” says Sam Shaw, executive director of SEIU Nevada.  “Joe Biden is one of the most pro-union and pro-worker presidents that we’ve ever had. Donald Trump has a track record of being the exact opposite.”

The union’s statement, issued in December, asks Biden, Congress, and the United Nations General Assembly to call for a ceasefire that ends “the harming of innocent civilians,” and “to negotiate the release of remaining hostages and provide humanitarian assistance to the civilians in Gaza.”   

The Nevada Democratic Party seems unfazed by labor union calls for a ceasefire. 

NV Dems communications director Tai Sims notes Culinary members turned out for the party’s events, including visits from Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris, both of whom celebrated the union’s contract victories this year.  

Union members and Culinary Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge joined Senator Jacky Rosen when she filed for re-election last week. Rosen is Jewish, the former president of a synagogue, and a strong supporter of Israel. 

Pappageorge declined to respond to the Current’s questions.  

Some political observers suggest the Israel and Hamas war is not a top-of-mind issue for voters. 

A Pew Research poll of 5,140 adults conducted in mid-January found 73% of respondents say the economy should be a top priority for the president and congress to address.   

Defending against terrorism is in second place with 63%, followed by reducing the influence of money in politics at 62%.  

Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, a frequent and vocal critic of Israel, announced this week she’ll support Biden, despite his inability to date to secure a ceasefire. 

“Of course,” Omar replied, when asked Wednesday on CNN if she’ll vote for the president.  “Democracy is on the line.” 

Note: This story was updated with comment from Rep. Horsford and Rep. Titus.