The historic Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop in San Francisco has temporarily closed its doors due to a strike by 45 unionized workers. The action, called by Unite Here Local 2, began Thursday and is scheduled to last three days, impacting the flagship store located on North Point Street. Union members are urging visitors to boycott the popular tourist destination during the strike.
The core issue driving the strike is the cost of healthcare coverage. According to flyers distributed by the union, workers allege that Ghirardelli is proposing to cut their current healthcare plan and move employees to a company-sponsored plan that would result in higher out-of-pocket expenses. Union representatives state that current emergency room co-pays of $50 could potentially increase significantly, impacting workers who earn between $19 and $25 per hour and struggle to afford increased healthcare costs.
Workers also claim the company is refusing to disclose how much they collect from a 6% healthcare fee charged to customers. Diego Huerta, a cashier, told KTVU that the company is not being transparent about the allocation of these funds.
While the original shop remains closed, two nearby Ghirardelli stores in the square that do not employ union workers are continuing to operate. A sign on the door of the affected store indicated its closure.
Ghirardelli has issued a statement acknowledging the ongoing contract negotiations. The company expressed its commitment to bargaining in good faith and stated its focus is on reaching an agreement that supports employees and ensures the business's long-term success. The strike is expected to conclude Saturday night at 10 p.m., with no immediate word on when the shop will reopen.