Yosemite Park Workers to Vote on a New Contract

Fresno Bee - March 12, 2005

About 750 workers at Yosemite National Park are scheduled Monday to vote on a tentative contract with the concessionaire that operates park motels, retail stores and other amenities.

Media reports this week said employees might protest and try to slow down business in the park over the negotiations.

The contract is set to expire Monday.

But no actions, such as sit-ins in stores or restaurants, had been planned, according to the Service Employees International Union, which represents the workers.

The media reports were based on statements from a union member who was not an official spokesperson or part of the negotiations, said Lisa Edelheit, SEIU central regional director. "We're recommending approval of the tentative agreement," Edelheit said.

The union reached the agreement on Wednesday with Delaware North Corporation Parks & Resorts.

Workers had worried about proposals to increase health insurance costs and increase the number of working hours required to qualify for benefits.

Edelheit said the union successfully protected the workers on those issues.

Delaware North spokeswoman Kerri Holden said negotiations went well, wrapping up a day ahead of schedule.