Key points:
- The union supports plans to eliminate taxes on tips and raise the sub-minimum wage
- Hospitality workers face challenges from low wages and rising costs of living
- The union highlights the need for bipartisan action on economic policies
The Culinary Union has welcomed proposals to eliminate taxes on tips but has stressed that broader action is needed to address challenges faced by hospitality workers.
In a recent statement, the union called for an end to the $2.13 sub-minimum wage for tipped employees and urged Congress to tackle corporate practices that contribute to rising prices of essentials such as food, gas and housing.
The union’s Secretary-Treasurer, Ted Pappageorge, noted: “Taking on both issues is critical to ensuring one job is enough for workers to support their families.”
In November 2024, the Culinary Union launched an open-ended strike at Virgin Las Vegas, with more than 700 workers calling for wage increases and improved benefits.
Good to know: The strike was the first of its kind in over 22 years and coincided with major Las Vegas events, drawing significant attention to the demands of hospitality workers
The union has criticised the current wage disparities in the industry, highlighting that some workers in Las Vegas receive significantly higher raises compared to others in similar roles.
At the same time, the union continues to push for systemic changes, stressing that corporate pricing strategies play a role in exacerbating economic pressures on working families.
By advocating for these changes, the union aims to bring attention to the challenges faced by hospitality workers and push for policies that improve their economic security.
