The Los Angeles Dodgers hosting their first All-Star Game since 1980 faced the possibility of a strike by Dodger Stadium workers as they sought a union contract with improved wages, benefits and other protections.
At the beginning of the week, 99% of union employees voted to strike, which Unite Here Local 11 said could be imposed at any point leading up to All-Star events or during them. However, contract negotiations with Levy resumed, and Dodger Stadium concession workers have agreed not to strike.
“Unite Here Local 11 and Compass/Levy at Dodger Stadium have made substantial progress in our contract negotiations this week,” the union said in a statement. “On this basis, Local 11 has agreed not to strike during the All Star Game and related events.
“Both parties look forward to a successful All-Star Game and continued negotiations.”
Levy employs nearly 1,500 food servers, bartenders, suite attendants, cooks and dish washers at Dodger Stadium. Per Unite Here, the average concession stand worker makes $12,000 for 81 Dodgers home games, thus creating a need to work at multiple venues simultaneously.
As workers threatened to strike, they garnered support from the MLB Players Association.
“The MLPBA stands in solidarity with Dodger Stadium concession workers represented by Unite Here Local 11,” the union said in a statement. “Like thousands of ballpark workers across the country, Local 11’s members are a vital yet under appreciated part of what makes our game great.
“They deserve to be treated fairly and will continue to have the 1,200 members of the MLBPA behind them.”
When the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic delayed the start of the 2020 MLB season, the Dodgers provided relief funds to Dodger Stadium workers, including event staff, concessions, parking, cleaning personnel employed by third-party contractors, and the Dodgers Foundation event staff”
All-Star events at Dodger Stadium
Saturday, July 16
4 p.m. PT: MLB Futures Game
7:15 p.m.: All-Star Celebrity Softball Game
9:15 p.m.: Extra Innings concert with Becky G
Monday, July 18
5 p.m.: Home Run Derby
Tuesday, July 19
5 p.m.: 2022 MLB All-Star Game Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!