‘Strike one’ looms for AT&T Park workers

Giants fans could soon be facing some tough choices over their favorite snacks and drinks while cheering on the Giants at home games.

AT&T Park concession workers approved a strike over the weekend, with 500 supporting the vote and 16 in opposition.

The workers agreed to go on strike if concessions operator Centerplate does not respond to their needs during negotiations slated for Wednesday and Thursday.

A Unite Here Local 2 union spokesperson, Nicshit Hedge, told KTVU-TV the vote tally indicates just how frustrated the workers are by the contract situation:

“People are very serious about what they need and they want to be taken seriously, and I think a 97 percent authorization vote displays how serious they are.”

Workers have not received raises in years and they claim that Centerplate is looking to put a cap on medical benefits and give 25 cent raises this year and the following year.

Additionally, they reported that the concession workers earn from $15 to $20 an hour and have all healthcare costs covered.

The concession workers have not signed a contract since the beginning of the 2010 season. There are approximately 750 concession and other food workers who are employees of Centerplate.

The Giants are not involved with the negotiations but are being kept informed of developments.

If concession workers do strike, Centerplate has replacement employees waiting to cover the snack shack to meet all of your munchy needs in the meantime.