For immediate release
December 19, 2014
Bethany Khan
(612) 598-0174
Peter Rose
(212) 583-5871
Culinary Union Looks Forward to Rewarding Working Relationship with the Blackstone Group
LAS VEGAS, NV – Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and the Bartenders Union Local 165 of UNITE HERE, which represent over 2,000 workers at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, are pleased to announce that employees, known as CoStars, of The Cosmopolitan will retain their employment when an affiliate of Blackstone Real Estate Partners VII acquires the property.
Blackstone, through the funds it manages, is one of the largest owners of hotels in the United States. The asset management firm which owns Hilton Worldwide is one of UNITE HERE’s largest employers and has had a productive relationship with UNITE HERE across the country for years.
“We are pleased that The Cosmopolitan CoStars that we represent will be able to keep their jobs and their health insurance,” said Geoconda Arguello-Kline, Secretary-Treasurer of the Culinary Union. “We are committed to working with Blackstone to ensure that these workers have the opportunity to provide for their families.”
“We are excited by the potential of our recent acquisition of The Cosmopolitan, the premier resort on the Las Vegas Strip,” said Jon Gray, Blackstone’s Global Head of Real Estate. “Blackstone has a long and positive relationship with UNITE HERE and we will make sure The Cosmopolitan CoStars continue to excel in providing the best customer experience for guests.”
“Our hard work and dedication have made The Cosmopolitan a top destination on the Las Vegas Strip,” said Michelle Lisher, a beverage server at the resort. “Many of us have worked here since it opened, so we are glad that we are able to keep our jobs.”
“I’m happy that the new owners will respect us and treat us like every other Culinary Union worker on the Strip,” said Catherine Balotro, a guest room attendant at the resort, “Having decent wages, good benefits, and fair workloads means I can focus on providing quality service and taking care of our guests.”
Culinary Workers Local 226 and Bartenders Local 165, Nevada affiliates of UNITE HERE, represent over 55,000 workers in Las Vegas and Reno, including at most of casino resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. UNITE HERE represents 270,000 workers in gaming, hotel, and food service industries in North America.