Picket, not ticket, on Jesse’s mind

Lynn Waddell

Thursday, Jan. 29, 1998 | 11:32 a.m.

First published April 21, 1992.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson strolled through Las Vegas casinos to support organizing and striking union workers.

In town for the Service Employees International Union, Jackson walked through Main Street Station Monday to support workers trying to unionize there. He was scheduled to march to the Frontier Hotel today in support of striking union workers there.

"We cannot be for Solidarity in Poland and bust unions at home," Jackson said Monday afternoon.

After receiving $1,000 pledges from unions at a Democratic reception Monday, Jackson shook hands with Main Street workers and customers.

"I'm here to encourage workers to fight for dignity and job security," Jackson said "This is not about increasing the economic demand, but so that whatever transition takes place they will be a part of."

Main Street filed bankruptcy in December and workers are organizing to keep from losing their jobs in case the hotel casino changes ownership, said Courtney Alexander, Culinary Union representative.

Union organizers said Main Street management has used bankruptcy as an excuse not to accept unionization.

We're not going to be intimidated by a bankruptcy threat," Jackson said. "I'm going to encourage them (workers) to hold out and fight for justice."

The Chicago minister also discussed the 1992 presidential race and denied any consideration of a vice-presidential nomination. Presidential candidate Jerry Brown has said he will chose Jackson as his running mate if he becomes the national Democratic candidate.

"I'm honored to be considered, but the reality is the convention and the convention alone will ratify the candidates," he said. "Right now, my focus is not on the ticket in New York, but on the picket in Las Vegas."