Unions expect Kerrey

David W. Crowell

Thursday, Jan. 29, 1998 | 9:16 a.m.

First published Nov. 25, 1991.

At least one Democratic Party presidential hopeful is expected to appear at a labor solidarity rally outside the Frontier Hotel-Casino where three unions, including the Culinary Workers, have been striking since September.

The Dec. 5 rally, which will start with a parade up Las Vegas Boulevard from Tropicana Avenue to the Frontier, was announced by Claude "Blackie" Evans, the Nevada AFL-CIO executive secretary treasurer, Nov. 13.

Planning and preparations for the rally have continued since then with as many as 5,000 people expected to participate in the march.

"It should be the biggest solidarity rally this state has ever seen, " said Jim Arnold, secretary-treasurer of Culinary Workers Local 229. "What it amounts to is a comeback for the labor unions in the state of Nevada."

U.S. Sen. Bob Kerrey, on the campaign trail for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, has scheduled an appearance at the march and rally, Arnold said.

Kerrey, a Vietnam War veteran who lost a leg in combat, has been campaigning hard for a national health insurance program during appearances in Iowa and New Hampshire.

The Nebraska Democrat was first mentioned as a possible presidential candidate after he was elected governor of his home state nine years ago.

Labor leaders from around the country, including the international presidents of nine different unions, black state legislators meeting in Las Vegas as well as other political leaders were also expected to participate in the march, Arnold said.

The march is set to begin at 6 p.m., Arnold said and will head north along the Strip to the Frontier where the rally will be held. The union leader said Gov. Bob Miller has already given permission for the parade to travel on Las Vegas Boulevard.