Concession workers at the San 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.
⚡️⚾️ BREAKING ⚾️⚡️
— UNITE HERE Local 2 (@UniteHereLocal2) September 5, 2021
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
The workers are employed by Bon Appetit, a company contracted by the Giants. They worked Saturday night's 6-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park and union president Anand 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 the San Diego Padres on Monday, Sept. 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 working and visiting Oracle Park a top priority," the team said. "We operate our venue in compliance with local and state health requirements."