Dodgers Tour Guides Vote on Union Representation Amidst Growing Demand and Revenue
The Los Angeles Dodgers have seen a significant surge in popularity, with their stadium tours generating over $1 million in revenue annually. However, the tour guides who bring the team’s history to life for fans are now at a crossroads, voting on whether to unionize and potentially give up a coveted perk: free tickets. The decision has sparked a heated debate among the guides, with some advocating for union representation and others opposing it.
The Dodgers’ marketing strategy has successfully targeted blue-collar fans, and the team has made efforts to support unionization. In 2023, the franchise reached landmark Collective Bargaining Agreements with the Service Employees International Union United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW), resulting in raises for 450 employees, including ushers, security officers, and groundskeepers. More recently, the team has worked with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) to represent the 55 tour guides, mostly part-timers who are passionate about the team’s history.
A Divided Group: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Unionization
The proposed union agreement would increase wages by 25% to $24 an hour, with additional $1 an hour increases in the second and third years of the contract. Security measures at stadium entry points would also be improved, addressing concerns about fans entering the stadium without passing through security checks. However, the potential loss of free tickets, a perk worth an estimated $2,600, has become a major point of contention. Some guides feel that the raise would not compensate for the loss of this benefit, while others see it as a necessary step towards fair compensation and better working conditions.
Tour guides like Cary Ginell, who has been with the team since March 2022, argue that the demand for tours has risen significantly, and the team is “raking in the money” without adequately compensating the guides. Ginell, who has written 14 books on American music, emphasizes the importance of the tour guides in amplifying the Dodgers’ brand and history. “We make fans happy conveying that history, and it’s that history that got the Dodgers their $2 billion price tag,” he says.
Ray Lokar, a veteran tour guide and former high school coach and athletic director, agrees that unionization is necessary for fairness and respect. “We should be protected, respected, and connected,” he says. “We want to feel safe physically and emotionally, be paid fairly, and not treated as second-class citizens.” Lokar notes that the tour program has grown significantly, becoming a multi-million dollar asset, and that the guides deserve better compensation and working conditions.
A Vote for Union Representation: What’s at Stake?
The vote on union representation, scheduled for December 15-17, has sparked a heated debate among the tour guides. Some have felt pressure from anti-union veteran guides, while others have been convinced to support the union. Semaj Perry, a less-experienced guide, initially signed a decertification petition but has since changed his mind after attending a negotiation session and reading the agreement. “It’s more of a status thing than a financial decision for some of the older tour guides,” he says. “For some of them, this is fun to do during retirement. I took the job because I needed to pay rent. I’m voting yes to join the union.”
The outcome of the vote will have significant implications for the tour guides and the Dodgers organization. If the union agreement is approved, it could lead to better working conditions, fair compensation, and increased job security. However, if the guides vote against unionization, it could mean the loss of a crucial opportunity for collective bargaining and representation. As the Dodgers continue to grow in popularity, the decision of the tour guides will be closely watched, and its impact will be felt throughout the organization.
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Image Source: www.latimes.com
