The iconic Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop at its original San Francisco location has closed its doors as 45 unionized workers, represented by Unite Here Local 2, commenced a three-day strike on Thursday. The labor action stems from disputes over healthcare coverage costs and transparency.
Workers on the picket line are urging visitors to boycott the popular tourist destination, distributing flyers that read "Greedy Ghirardelli breaks the law." According to the union, the company is proposing to cut workers' current healthcare plans and move them to the company's own plan, which union representatives state could lead to significantly higher co-pays. For instance, emergency room visits could increase from a $50 co-pay to potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"They want to take away our healthcare and they’re not willing to be transparent about how they pay for the healthcare," Diego Huerta, a cashier, told KTVU. Union representatives also allege that Ghirardelli is refusing to disclose how much of a 6% healthcare fee charged to customers is allocated to worker healthcare.
Employees at the shop earn between $19 and $25 per hour, and they argue that their current wages make it difficult to afford increased healthcare expenses. The strike is scheduled to conclude on Saturday night.
While the original shop remains closed, two nearby Ghirardelli stores in Ghirardelli Square that do not have unionized employees are reportedly remaining open.
Ghirardelli issued a statement asserting that the company values its employees and their contributions. "We are currently in active contract negotiations with the union and are committed to bargaining in good faith," the statement read. "Our main focus right now is on reaching an agreement that supports our employees and ensures the long-term success of our business."
Founded by Domingo Ghirardelli in 1852, the San Francisco shop has been a historic landmark and a significant draw for millions of tourists visiting the city.