Oracle Park concession workers voted in favor of a strike on Saturday, calling for increased wages, better health care and COVID-19 safety precautions.
The strike against Bon Appetite Management in Oracle Park was held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 4 after more than 20 workers were infected with COVID-19.
Unite Here Local 2, the union representing 900 Oracle Park workers, claimed that the food service employees frequently have to deal with mask-less guests who are drinking, putting their health and safety at risk.
"I would like to see some COVID-19 mask regulations through the Giants for their fans when they come to order because it puts us at risk," a concessions employee told KCBS Radio. "We fear for our lives."
The workers are employed by Bon Appetit Management, which is subcontracted by the Giants. According to a spokesperson from the union, neither Bon Appetit nor the Giants offered healthcare to laid-off workers when fans weren’t allowed to attend games due to the COVID-19 pandemic during the shortened 2020 season.
To qualify for healthcare during the current baseball season, employees have to work ten games a month, "but sometimes the Giants only have nine events," a second employee explained.
Another massive crowd is expected on Saturday night at the rival game between the Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Since workers voted in favor of the strike, they may walk off the job at any upcoming game, however, they plan to work this weekend.
Neither Bon Appetit nor the Giants responded to a request for comment from KCBS Radio.
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