[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Pages 20130-20131]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CULINARY WORKERS UNION LOCAL 
                                  226

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 80th 
anniversary of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226.
  Since it was founded in 1935, the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 
has successfully advocated on behalf of thousands of hospitality 
workers throughout Nevada. These workers include the

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housekeepers, kitchen staff, cooks, and food and beverage servers who 
play an indispensable role in our local and national economy. Along 
with local partners, the culinary union has effectively represented 
workers by advocating for competitive wages, affordable health 
insurance coverage, and enhanced working conditions. The culinary union 
is vital in the effort to provide real opportunities for working-class 
individuals and families.
  Over the past eight decades, workplace environments across the United 
States have been transformed to meet our country's changing needs. 
Throughout these changes, the culinary union has always been on the 
frontlines to ensure that workers continue to receive fair treatment 
and the benefits they have earned. In particular, the culinary union 
successfully mobilized casino workers on many occasions to ensure that 
they received adequate health care coverage, improved contract terms, 
and pension benefits.
  The organization has also had a positive impact on its members 
through the establishment of local services, such as the culinary 
health fund and the culinary pharmacy. The culinary health fund is a 
health plan that provides benefits to more than 130,000 participants, 
ensuring that union members and their families have access to essential 
health care services that keep them healthy. Additionally, in 2001, the 
culinary union launched a citizen project, which provides assistance 
for individuals and families navigating the citizenship process.
  I applaud the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 for their dedicated 
work and commitment to improving the lives of Nevadans. Their work is 
truly appreciated and admired, and I wish the organization continued 
success for years to come.

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