Culinary Union criticizes Station Casinos CFO Stephen Cootie's credibility in labor case
May 22, 2025 | Nevada Gaming Control Board, Executive Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Nevada
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The Nevada Gaming Commission meeting on May 22, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding the credibility of Station Casinos' Chief Financial Officer, Stephen Cootie. Jesus Landeros, representing the Culinary Union, raised concerns about Cootie's ability to provide transparent testimony in light of past events involving labor practices.
Landeros highlighted Cootie's role in a 2019 meeting where Station Casinos' management sought approval for substantial spending on health and retirement benefits. He noted that the presentation aimed to undermine union influence and discourage employee support for unionization. Furthermore, Landeros pointed out that Cootie participated in a group text with company executives discussing employee actions related to union representation.
The issue escalated during an unfair labor practice trial, where a judge deemed Cootie's testimony not credible, particularly regarding discussions that could have affected union power. Station Casinos is currently appealing this ruling, raising questions about Cootie's reliability as a witness in government proceedings.
In addition to Landeros' comments, a worker named Lazaro Gomez Martinez provided a public statement in Spanish, emphasizing the importance of union contracts for workplace rights. He articulated that such contracts ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and job security, allowing employees to advocate effectively for themselves and their colleagues.
The meeting underscored ongoing tensions between labor rights and corporate governance in Nevada's gaming industry, with implications for employee representation and management accountability. The commission's next steps in addressing these concerns remain to be seen.
Landeros highlighted Cootie's role in a 2019 meeting where Station Casinos' management sought approval for substantial spending on health and retirement benefits. He noted that the presentation aimed to undermine union influence and discourage employee support for unionization. Furthermore, Landeros pointed out that Cootie participated in a group text with company executives discussing employee actions related to union representation.
The issue escalated during an unfair labor practice trial, where a judge deemed Cootie's testimony not credible, particularly regarding discussions that could have affected union power. Station Casinos is currently appealing this ruling, raising questions about Cootie's reliability as a witness in government proceedings.
In addition to Landeros' comments, a worker named Lazaro Gomez Martinez provided a public statement in Spanish, emphasizing the importance of union contracts for workplace rights. He articulated that such contracts ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and job security, allowing employees to advocate effectively for themselves and their colleagues.
The meeting underscored ongoing tensions between labor rights and corporate governance in Nevada's gaming industry, with implications for employee representation and management accountability. The commission's next steps in addressing these concerns remain to be seen.
View full meeting
This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.
View full meeting