Long Beach Convention Center workers could go on strike 'at any moment'
The union that represents the workers held a strike authorization vote Sunday, with 85% voting in favor.
Cooks, bartenders and servers at the Long Beach Convention Center could go on strike “at any moment” following an authorization vote Sunday, the union that represents them announced Monday.
Of the 150 workers, 85% voted in favor of a strike as contract negotiations between union representatives and ASM Global, which operates the city-owned facility, have been dragging on since September, when the old contract expired, according to Unite Here Local 11.
The biggest sticking point in the negotiations is ASM’s use of subcontractors, union spokesperson Maria Hernandez said Monday.
“ASM is subcontracting our work to companies that do not provide the same job protections and benefits, and undermining our contract,” Hernandez said in an email.
Convention center management did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
As a result of the vote, workers could begin striking “at any moment,” according to the union, which added that the work actions include the Long Beach Arena, the Beverly O’Neill Theater and Terrace theater.
The workers will picket outside the facility Tuesday at 4 p.m. ahead of Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson's annual State of the City address, the union announced.
“My coworkers and I work hard to welcome all into our city,” Jesus Jr Morales, a banquet captain at the convention center, said in a statement. “It is a shame that ASM Global has not ensured its workers earn livable wages whether we work directly for ASM or we are subcontracted. We all need wages to help us provide for our families.”
The union is also calling on city officials to walk back a recent decision related to a forthcoming ordinance to amend the city’s municipal code and increase wages for concession workers at the convention center as well as Long Beach Airport. In its Jan. 7 decision, the Long Beach City Council requested the ordinance be drafted to essentially exclude subcontractors.
According to the amended agenda item, which passed 4-1, with four members absent, subcontractors would not be eligible for increased wages until they accumulate more than 960 hours in a single year, which breaks to 18.5 hours per week every week.
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson declined to comment on the union's position related to the city ordinance but urged Unite Here and ASM to "continue to bargain and negotiate in good faith."
While officials claim the carve out is “consistent with the city’s general compensation practices with temporary workers,” union leaders say it is unfair to those workers who play big roles during major events.
“As the city and our region are gearing up for the Olympics and Paralympics of 2028, it is disappointing that leaders are taking steps that would strip workers to a living wage,” Unite Here Local 11 co-President Ada Briceño said in a statement. “The city and its leadership have an opportunity to right this wrong.”
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