Strike Count at Angel Stadium is 0-2 as Second Union of Big A Workers Authorizes Picketing

As the red-hot Angels head into the home stretch, the second biggest question after will they make the playoffs is will there be any stadium workers there to assist fans.

Food service workers, who hand out the beer and hot dogs, this week joined ushers, janitors, ticket takers and ticket sellers is authorizing a strike. The 800 food and beverage workers, who don't actually work for the Arte Moreno-owned baseball franchise or city-owned Angel Stadium but independent contractor Aramark, are represented in contract negotiations by Unite Here Local 11.
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They have not had a wage increase since 2009, their union contract has expired and the offer on the table would amount to a wage freeze and reduced healthcare benefits for the next several years, according to a statement sent to the Weekly today by Unite Here spokeswoman Leigh Shelton.

“I have served Angel fans for 28 years,
and I love cheering on the Angels to victory,” Barbara Rainey, an Aramark
worker, says in the same release. “But management must remember that we help create the wonderful
ballpark experience that keeps fans coming back, and for our hard work we
deserve a fair wage and decent healthcare.”

Pretty much the same issues driving the strike vote by the Big A's janitors, ticket-takers and ushers, 400 of whom are represented by SEIU United Service Workers West.

“We continue to bargain in good faith and are hopeful that we will be
able to reach an agreement soon,” reads a statement sent to the Weekly by Aramark's Nicole Kennedy. “Our people are a very important part
of our business, and we greatly appreciate their contributions.”

It adds, “We have contingency plans in place to ensure continued service.”

The Weekly has yet to hear back from Angels management.