Firm reports labor deal, but conflict with union continues

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.

Centerplate said a collective bargaining agreement was recently ratified through March 31, 2016, with Teamsters Local 853, which represents around 200 workers at AT&T Park, Candlestick and the Cow Palace.

The deal includes a wage increase, signing bonus and health and welfare benefits, the company said in a statement.

The company remains at odds with Unite Here Local 2, a union representing hundreds of food and beverage sales workers at AT&T Park.

Around 750 members of Unite Here staged a one-day strike on May 25, and members of the union also staged a protest in June that resulted in 10 people being arrested.

Unite Here members have said that they have not received raises in several years, and are campaigning for a larger pay increase, job security and benefits such as benches to sit on during breaks.

Teamsters Local 7, which represents outdoor concessions workers who walk in the stands, did not go on strike but endorsed Unite Here's picket line, according to union officials.

Unite Here members are currently urging San Francisco Giants fans to continue to enjoy baseball games at AT&T Park but boycott concessions, union spokeswoman Julia Wong said.

A spokesman for Centerplate said Unite Here had refused to respond to proposals for a wage increase and bonuses for food service workers at AT&T Park and Candlestick.

"It is bizarre for us that we can come to terms with the Teamsters in a matter of hours for an agreement that provides for improved wages, while Local 2 continues to focus on irrelevant issues," spokesman Sam Singer said.

Wong said that Centerplate had focused its energies on attacking Unite Here's president rather than responding to the union's demands.

"We're really happy for the Teamsters that they reached an agreement that they're happy with, but Centerplate has not made any progress in getting any closer to what we need," Wong said.

Talks are scheduled to resume July 29.

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