Ghirardelli chocolate workers in San Francisco walk off job for 3-day strike
SAN FRANCISCO - Workers at The Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop in San Francisco walked off the job on Thursday for a three-day strike. They are asking customers to boycott the store at a popular tourist area.
The union, representing the workers at the North Pointe Street store, says they have been negotiating with Ghiradelli for more than a year, but have not yet reached a deal.
The union accuses the company of bad-faith bargaining, saying Ghirardelli proposed cutting workers' healthcare plans while not disclosing how much it earns from a 6% healthcare coverage fee it charges customers.
A closed sign went up today outside the flagship store, which is the only San Francisco location impacted by the strike. The other two locations at Ghirardelli Square are staffed with non-union workers and are both open.
The last time workers went on strike at the original store was in 1984.
In a statement, the company said: "We value and respect our employees and the important contributions they make to Ghirardelli. We are currently in active contract negotiations with the union and are committed to bargaining in good faith. Our main focus right now is on reaching an agreement that supports our employees and ensures the long-term success of our business."