Ballpark workers said they will hold a strike vote after more than 20 virus cases were reported at Oracle Park in San Francisco.
Hundreds of franchise workers at Oracle Park have come together to organize the said strike vote. They are employees under Bon Appetit, a San Francisco Giants’ food service contractor, who are being represented by UNITE HERE, a union among hospitality workers.
The concession workers said that since the reopening of the stadium in June, at least 20 of them have contracted the virus.
“The Giants have failed to mandate and/or enforce masks and social distancing at concourse concessions stands, private suites, and more, and food service workers frequently have to deal with maskless guests who are often drinking,” part of the UNITE HERE’s statement read.
During the lockdown, ballpark workers complain that Giant or Bon Appetit has failed to provide them with health care and support.
In order to secure health insurance, workers presently need to work 10 events monthly. They pointed out that in the last months, nine events were scheduled for the workers and cannot reach the required events for the health care.
They are calling to reduce the requirement to nine events monthly.
Bon Appetit, before the opening, also vowed that they will work in a safe place in Oracle Park and hazard pay will therefore be unnecessary. Workers, however, said that there is a lax in the enforcement of health protocols like mask-wearing and social distancing. They also said COVID-19 cases at the park have increased.
They are also calling for an hourly hazard pay of $3.
“These corporations’ approach to workers and fans’ safety during this latest surge of COVID-19 is completely inadequate and dangerously irresponsible,” UNITE HERE Local 2 President Anand Singh, said, as reported by KRON4. “Our members have carried on through this pandemic without fair compensation and security in our health insurance, while the Giants have continued to reap profits. We are ready to fight for our health, our safety, and for justice at the ballpark.”
The strike vote is planned to be conducted by the workers at the Office of ILWU Local 34 located at 4 Berry St., which, a yes vote would permit them to leave at any time.
