Concession workers at the San Francisco Giants’ Oracle Park voted overwhelmingly in favor of the strike on Saturday, citing concerns about COVID-19 health and safety coverage.
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.
⚡️⚾️ BREAKING ⚾️⚡️
96.7% of concessions workers at the @SFGiants Oracle Park have voted to STRIKE for safety, health care & hazard pay.
At least 20 concessions workers have been infected with COVID-19 since the stadium reopened. pic.twitter.com/UcNrn9Pwm4
– UNITE HERE Local 2 (@ UniteHereLocal2) September 5, 2021
The workers are employees of Bon Appetit, a company hired by the Giants. They worked through Saturday night’s 6-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park, but the strike could happen at any moment. The Giants are scheduled to close out their series against the Dodgers on Sunday.
“96.7% of Ballpark foodservice workers voted yesterday to authorize a strike. It shows that we are ready to do whatever it takes to win health care, hazardous pay and job safety,” Singh said in a statement on Sunday. “We will be back at the bargaining table on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of next week, and the workers will report to work for today’s game.
“It is outrageous that COVID infections have not been enough for Bon Appetit and the Giants to begin taking more effective security measures, but we hope our strike vote is the jolt they need.”
The Giants begin a six-game road trip Monday before returning to Oracle Park to face the San Diego Padres on Monday, September 13.
In a statement to ABC7 News on Saturday, the Giants said they are encouraging Bon Appetit and Local 2 to “work productively to reach an agreement as soon as possible.”
“The Giants make the health and safety of everyone who works and visits Oracle Park a top priority,” the team said. “We operate our place in accordance with state and local health requirements.”
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