Vice Presidential Pool Reports of January 3, 2024

VP travel pool report #1 - arrival at Culinary Local Union

VP arrived at 11:41 a.m. to the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 in Las Vegas. Roughly 250 people – including union members who lined up outside in chilly, overcast weather – filled the room, and a mariachi band played ahead of her arrival.

VP travel pool report #2 - remarks

VP began speaking at 12:43 p.m., acknowledging Culinary Workers Union Local 226's recent efforts to secure a contract for Strip properties operated by MGM Resorts International, calling it a "historic accomplishment."

The union, along with Bartenders Union Local 165, represents 60,000 workers in Nevada, including at most of the casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.

VP stressed the importance of unions and repeatedly maintained that the Culinary Union had set a new standard for workers across the country.

"You are setting a new standard for workers everywhere of what they now know..is possible, is reasonable, is right and is achievable."

VP also acknowledged her husband, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, who was in attendance. Her address followed remarks from Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, members of Nevada's congressional delegation – including Rep. Steven Horsford and Sens. Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto – and union members including President Diana Valles and Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge.

During the VP's comments, roughly a dozen protesters waving Palestinian flags gathered across the street to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

VP travel pool report #3 - departure

VP departed the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 stage to a standing ovation after speaking for roughly 15 minutes. Workers chanted "union" and "226."

VP travel pool report #4 - additional quotes from Culinary Union

"Thank you for all you do on behalf of the working people, not only of Nevada, but by modeling what you do for working people all over the country."

"I do strongly believe that the strength of our nation depends on the strength of working people."

"It is union members, and the working people who are members of organized labor, who have always fought and continue to fight for the rights, for the dignity of working people and the dignity of work itself."

"You guys are setting a new standard for workers across the board."