Concession employees at San Francisco Giants’ Oracle Park vote to strike
Concession workers at the San Francisco Giants’ Oracle Park overwhelmingly voted for a strike Saturday, raising concerns about the safety and health of COVID-19.
According to UNITE HERE Local 2, at least 20 concession workers have contracted COVID-19 since the stadium reopened this season. According to the union, 96.7% of active stadium workers voted in favor of the strike.
⚡️⚾️ BREAK ⚾️⚡️
96.7% of the concession workers at @SFGiants Oracle Park voted for STRIKE for safety, health care and hazard compensation.
At least 20 concession workers have contracted COVID-19 since the stadium reopened. pic.twitter.com/UcNrn9Pwm4
– UNITE HERE Local 2 (@ UniteHereLocal2) September 5, 2021
The workers are hired by Bon Appetit, a company contracted by the Giants. They were working on Saturday night’s 6-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park and union president Anand Singh said they will also work on Sunday’s series finale.
“The 96.7% of workers at Ballpark Food Service yesterday for approving a strike show that we are ready to do whatever we can to win health care, compensation and safety in the workplace,” said Singh in a statement on Sunday. “We’ll return to the negotiating table on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday next week and the workers will report to work for tonight’s game.
“It is outrageous that the COVID infections have not been enough for Bon Appetit and the Giants to take more effective security measures, but we hope our strike vote is the turmoil they need.”
The Giants will begin a six-game road trip on Monday before returning to Oracle Park on Monday, September 13, to face the San Diego Padres.
In a statement to ABC7 News on Saturday, the Giants said they would encourage Bon Appetit and Local 2 to “work productively to reach an agreement as soon as possible”.
“The Giants value the health and safety of everyone who works and visits Oracle Park,” said the team. “We operate our venue in accordance with local and state health regulations.”
