Concession workers at San Francisco Giants' Oracle Park vote to strike
Concession workers at theSan Francisco Giants' Oracle Park on Saturday voted overwhelmingly to strike, citing concerns over COVID-19 safety and health coverage.
According to UNITE HERE Local 2, at least 20 concessions workers have contracted COVID-19 since the stadium reopened this season. According to the union, 96.7% of active stadium workers voted to strike.
The workers are employed by Bon Appetit, a company contracted by the Giants. They worked Saturday night's 6-1 loss to theLos Angeles Dodgersat Oracle Park and union presidentAnand Singh said they will also work Sunday's series finale.
"Ballpark food service workers' 96.7% vote yesterday to authorize a strike shows that we're ready to do whatever it takes to win health care, hazard pay, and safety on the job," Singh said in a statement Sunday. "We're going back to the negotiating table on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of next week, and workers will report to work for today's game.
"It's outrageous that COVID infections weren't enough for Bon Appetit and the Giants to start taking more effective safety measures, but we hope our strike vote will be the jolt they need."
The Giants begin a six-game road trip on Monday before returning to Oracle Park to face theSan Diego Padreson Monday, Sept. 13.
In a statement to ABC7 News on Saturday, the Giants said they are encouragingBon Appetit and Local 2 to "work productively to reach an agreement as soon as possible."
"The Giants make the health and safety of everyone working and visiting Oracle Park a top priority," the team said. "We operate our venue in compliance with local and state health requirements."
