Culinary Union Criticizes Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for His Recent Remarks

Culinary Union Responds to Governor DeSantis’s Comments

The Culinary Union has strongly opposed recent remarks made by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis concerning the union’s activities. The union condemned his anti-union sentiments and suggested that he should concentrate on the challenges within his own state instead of criticizing theirs.

Governor DeSantis Accuses Culinary Union of Interfering with Votes

During a press event, Governor DeSantis commented on former President Donald Trump’s dismissal of mail-in voting. Alongside his support for Trump’s stance, DeSantis criticized the Culinary Union, alleging that they monitor how their members cast their ballots.

“If you’re in Las Vegas, it’s well known ballots get mailed out. Do you think the Culinary Union lets you vote freely without oversight? No, they want to review those votes and collect them.”
— Ron DeSantis

He accused the union of “ballot harvesting,” claiming it undermines the secret nature of voting.

Culinary Union Calls Out DeSantis’s Anti-Union Actions

The union quickly dismissed DeSantis’s claims as baseless and highlighted his history of opposing labor unions. Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer of the Culinary Union, described DeSantis as a persistent adversary of unions who targets workers such as cooks, housekeepers, and servers.

Pappageorge pointed out that DeSantis has backed several policies harmful to public service employees’ unions. He specifically mentioned DeSantis’s support for the Right to Work legislation, which allows workers to remain employed without union membership—a move that could potentially weaken private sector unions.

Moreover, DeSantis has expressed opposition to increases in the minimum wage, reinforcing his stance against labor advancements.

Pappageorge urged DeSantis to prioritize solving issues in his own state before interfering with union affairs in Nevada.

“Perhaps if DeSantis and his MAGA allies focused on the soaring costs of essentials like eggs, beef, and rent in Florida, instead of targeting dishwashers, landscapers, and Culinary Union members in Nevada, he might gain some respect.”
— Ted Pappageorge

He concluded that unless DeSantis addresses the pressing problems in Florida, he should refrain from making further remarks.

About the Culinary Workers Union

The Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165 together represent roughly 60,000 employees in Las Vegas and Reno. Many of these workers are employed at some of the largest casino resorts in the region.