STATEMENT by Geoconda Argüello-Kline regarding whistleblower protections for workers (AB222)

ONLINE / TWEET

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

MEDIA CONTACT:

Bethany Khan: bkhan@culinaryunion226.org ▪ (702) 387-7088  

STATEMENT by Geoconda Argüello-Kline regarding whistleblower protections for workers (AB222):

The Culinary Union supports Assembly Bill 222 because it extends whistleblower protection to workers who make internal reports of illegal conduct or unsafe working conditions, and strengthens protections against retaliation. 

The Culinary Union represents 60,000 workers, and we know that it can be frightening to speak up in a workplace, but when workers speak up about injustices in the workplace, it is in the best interest of themselves, coworkers, and the public. 

Whistleblowers should not have to worry about retaliation. The lack of workplace whistleblower protections creates a chilling effect leading to employees not reporting illegal and unsafe conditions. Current Nevada law provide legal protection to external whistleblowers, it makes sense to do the same for those who make internal reports. 

In the midst of a global pandemic, it is more important than ever that workers not be forced to participate in unsafe activity. Nevada lawmakers must ensure workers have the protections they need to keep everyone safe. Workplace safety is public safety, and stronger protections help employees and customers.

AB222 is a commonsense measure that standardizes Nevada’s protections for whistleblowers and will lead to safer workplaces. As the largest organization of working families in Nevada, the Culinary Union urges you to support and pass AB222.

ABOUT CULINARY UNION:

Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165, Nevada affiliates of UNITE HERE, represent 60,000 workers in Las Vegas and Reno, including at most of the casino resorts on the Las Vegas Strip and in Downtown Las Vegas. UNITE HERE represents 300,000 workers in gaming, hotel, and food service industries in North America.  

The Culinary Union, through the Culinary Health Fund, is one of the largest healthcare consumers in the state. The Culinary Health Fund is sponsored by the Culinary Union and Las Vegas-area employers. It provides health insurance coverage for over 145,000 Nevadans, the Culinary Union’s members and their dependents.  

The Culinary Union is Nevada’s largest Black/AAPI/immigrant organization with members who come from 178 countries and speak over 40 different languages. We are proud to have helped over 18,000 immigrants become American citizens and new voters since 2001 through our affiliate, The Citizenship Project.  

The Culinary Union has a diverse membership which is 55% women and 45% immigrants. The demographics of Culinary Union members are approximately: 54% Latinx, 18% white, 15% Asian, 12% Black, and less than 1% Indigenous Peoples. 

Culinary Union members work as: Guest room attendants, cocktail and food servers, porters, bellmen, cooks, bartenders, laundry and kitchen workers. The Culinary Union has been fighting for working families in Nevada for 86 years.

CulinaryUnion226.org / @Culinary226 

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