Hundreds of Target Field concession workers could soon go on strike.

Nearly 500 Target Field concessions workers are ready to walk off the job, says Sheigh Freeberg who is with UNITE HERE Local 17.

"We're, not announcing a strike that's happening in months, I can tell you that much," says Freeberg. "It's gonna be felt pretty soon."

On May 1 workers voted by 81% to authorize a strike if necessary citing pay, healthcare, and job protections as key sticking points.

Freeberg says three bargaining sessions since that vote haven't produced any tangible results.

"No one wants to go on strike," Freeberg adds. "We would love for the company to come to their senses and say, actually, we're gonna respect the workers. We don't foresee that happening, and I would expect that there will be a strike."

The union says they'll announce a strike date on Thursday.

"All they're asking for is that the company treats them with the respect that they deserve," Freeberg explains. "And it's really too bad that it has to come to a strike to make that happen. But workers are fed up, and they're going to go on strike to make sure the company hears them."

A loss of the concession workers would have an obvious impact on the fan experience at Minnesota Twins games, along with the many private and corporate events that Target Field hosts.

WCCO has reached out to Delaware North for comment regarding ongoing negotiations.

Early in May, the Twins did provide a statement through Delaware North, their concessions provider:

"Delaware North values its team members and the exceptional service they provide to guests at Target Field. Earlier this year, we offered several bargaining dates to UNITE HERE Local 17, and the union made itself available in March for an initial bargaining session. With only one bargaining session held to date, we are concerned that the recent strike authorization vote does not accurately reflect the current status of negotiations and may create confusion for our team members. We remain committed to bargaining in good faith and will continue negotiating with the union this month. In the event of any job action, we have contingency plans in place to maintain the guest or fan experience at Target Field. We appreciate our team members’ patience as the bargaining process continues."