Workers at Alcatraz Cruises demand fair wages and contracts
June 11, 2024 | San Francisco County, California
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During a recent government meeting, workers from Alcatraz City Cruises voiced their concerns regarding labor practices and wage issues, urging the Board of Supervisors to support their ongoing fight for fair contracts.
Jack Calvin, a deckhand and member of the Inland Boatmen's Union, highlighted the struggles faced by his colleagues after a majority voted to unionize in September 2022. He described their recent strike against the company’s alleged unfair labor practices and tactics aimed at discouraging union action. Calvin expressed concern over the company's recent job postings for \"on-call deckhands,\" which he interpreted as an attempt to hire replacement workers in anticipation of future strikes. \"We stood together for 2 years and we're going to continue to stand together for many years to come,\" he stated, calling for the board's support in their fight for fair treatment.
Michael Maldonado, a facilities agent at Alcatraz Cruises, echoed these sentiments, revealing that many workers earn as little as $19 an hour despite the company’s substantial revenue from ticket sales. He emphasized the need for a living wage, noting that employees are struggling to make ends meet and often take on second jobs to support their families. \"A company this lucrative can afford to pay its workers a living wage,\" he asserted.
Robert Erminger, a retired deckhand and former member of the Inland Boatman's Union, recounted his experiences working on the Alcatraz ferry and the challenges faced since the contract was awarded to Hornblower in 2006. He criticized the company for not adhering to federal wage laws and urged the supervisors to endorse a resolution that would provide necessary support for the current workers.
The testimonies from these workers reflect a broader struggle for labor rights and fair compensation within the tourism sector, particularly in a high-traffic location like Alcatraz Island. The Board of Supervisors is expected to consider their requests as discussions continue around labor practices in the region.
Jack Calvin, a deckhand and member of the Inland Boatmen's Union, highlighted the struggles faced by his colleagues after a majority voted to unionize in September 2022. He described their recent strike against the company’s alleged unfair labor practices and tactics aimed at discouraging union action. Calvin expressed concern over the company's recent job postings for \"on-call deckhands,\" which he interpreted as an attempt to hire replacement workers in anticipation of future strikes. \"We stood together for 2 years and we're going to continue to stand together for many years to come,\" he stated, calling for the board's support in their fight for fair treatment.
Michael Maldonado, a facilities agent at Alcatraz Cruises, echoed these sentiments, revealing that many workers earn as little as $19 an hour despite the company’s substantial revenue from ticket sales. He emphasized the need for a living wage, noting that employees are struggling to make ends meet and often take on second jobs to support their families. \"A company this lucrative can afford to pay its workers a living wage,\" he asserted.
Robert Erminger, a retired deckhand and former member of the Inland Boatman's Union, recounted his experiences working on the Alcatraz ferry and the challenges faced since the contract was awarded to Hornblower in 2006. He criticized the company for not adhering to federal wage laws and urged the supervisors to endorse a resolution that would provide necessary support for the current workers.
The testimonies from these workers reflect a broader struggle for labor rights and fair compensation within the tourism sector, particularly in a high-traffic location like Alcatraz Island. The Board of Supervisors is expected to consider their requests as discussions continue around labor practices in the region.
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