Nearly 400 Culinary Workers Picket DBE Operators at Harry Reid Airport

Nearly 400 union-represented hospitality workers picketed DBE employers at Harry Reid International Airport, targeting airport concessions as part of a continued push for a new contract, the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Local 165 said in a press advisory. The action focused on Terminal 1 and cited a broad cross-section of airport service roles, escalating visibility for stalled talks between DBE contractors and unionized staff.

The picket took place at Terminal 1 (5757 Wayne Newton Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119) and was scheduled to run from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with media access and interviews restricted to 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Diana Valles, president of the Culinary Union, and DBE workers were listed as available for English and Spanish interviews during that window. Media contact listed in the advisory is Bethany Khan at bkhan@culinaryunion226.org and (702) 387-7088. The advisory also noted, verbatim, that “BROLL from today’s picket line available here,” though no link accompanied that item in the supplied material.

The advisory identified the specific DBE food and beverage operators named in the protest: American Bagel (T3), Bagelmania (T1), Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (T1 & T3), Jamba Juice (T1 & T3), Jersey Mike’s (T1), Nathan’s (T1), Port O’Subs (T1 & T3), and Wendy’s (T1). Workers described in the union materials include cooks, fast food workers, bartenders, servers, porters, guest room attendants, cocktail and food servers, bellmen, laundry and kitchen workers. The advisory used the phrase “nearly 400” to describe participants but did not supply a precise headcount or specific bargaining demands.

The Culinary Union’s advisory also highlighted membership demographics: “The Culinary Union has a diverse membership which is 55% women and 60% immigrants.” It supplied a demographic breakdown stating that members are approximately 54% Latino/a, 18% white, 15% Asian, 12% Black, and less than 1% Indigenous Peoples. The advisory contained two slightly different claims about the union’s longevity, saying in separate spots that the union “has been fighting and winning for working families in Nevada for 90 years” and, elsewhere, “for 89 years.”

The union’s social and news feed included additional items under a “More News” heading, quoted verbatim in the advisory: “Health Services Coalition to picket and rally at Valley Hospital.” “Culinary Union to strike DBE employer, Village Pub, at the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) on Friday, December 5th on Friday, December 5th.” “Culinary Union to picket DBE employers at LAS Airport and participate in civil disobedience as negotiations continue.” “Culinary Union to give public comment at the Clark County Commission regarding DBE operators at the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).” “STATEMENT by Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge regarding F1.” The advisory also highlighted ongoing labor activity at Virgin Las Vegas and urged followers to “Get Connected, Follow @Culinary226.”

For workers and restaurants at the airport, the action raises the stakes in contract talks by putting DBE operators on the public docket and increasing scrutiny from travelers and regulators. Pickets can concentrate community support for hospitality workers and force faster engagement at the bargaining table, while also complicating operations for concessions contractors. Journalists or industry observers seeking additional materials were directed to contact Bethany Khan for B-roll, statements and logistics. The union’s next steps include follow-up actions listed in the advisory and potential public comment at the Clark County Commission, which will shape whether the dispute moves toward a broader escalation or negotiated settlement.