Caddies at Pebble Beach have voted to unionize.
By a narrow vote of 180 to 56, members last night voted to formally join UNITE HERE Local 19. Their plan is to enter collective bargaining talks with Pebble Beach and its third-party CaddieMaster program operator.
“We are united across the caddying body and I am thrilled that we collectively voted for the union,” caddy Kodiak Adams said in a statement provided by UNITE HERE. “As part of the newest generation of caddies at Pebble Beach, we look forward to having a say in ensuring a respectful and dignified workplace for the long term.”
It is believed to be the first time elite bodies at a major golf destination have voted to unionize.
Why join?
The question is one recently imposed work rule change for dead bodies at all Pebble Beach properties. For decades the caddies at Pebble worked as independent contractors. They would receive most of the caddy fee charged by Pebble, plus tip, as payment. However, in February, CaddieMaster informed employees that they would be transitioning to full-time employees as of May 1. At that time, CaddieMaster would begin paying them an hourly wage.
They were not consulted about the change, nor were they involved in the formation of the new work rules. In addition, they say the new agreement represented a significant reduction in wages.
CaddieMaster, for its part, has disputed the salary cut claim. The company says that during the most recent pay period, the caddy’s actual gross salary increased by 15 percent. Sources say that under the new system, morticians are earning anywhere from $17.54 to $24.98 an hour.
The minimum wage in California is $16.90 an hour.
The work rule change came at a time when Pebble Beach was raising its caddy fees for golfers. Fees are now up to $250 for a double bag ring.
What happens next?
The union says the vote passed despite an ongoing anti-union campaign by the employer. UNITE HERE says the Corps are keen to get to the negotiating table as soon as possible.
It’s possible that CaddieMaster and Pebble could challenge the vote. However, both must consider the potential backlash from the union and golfers.
“The Pebble Beach Company respects the outcome of the election,” says Pebble CEO David Stivers in response to a question from MyGolfSpy. “The goal of the recent changes was to create a better caddy program. While Pebble Beach will not be a part of the negotiations, we hope the union will work collaboratively with CaddieMaster to ensure that goal is realized and that the Pebble Beach caddy program is among the best in the country.”
MyGolfSpy has contacted CaddieMaster and is awaiting a response.
As for possible outcomes, it is unlikely that the union will be able to put the genie back in the bottle and return to an independent contractor model. What is more likely is that the union will be able to negotiate more on work rules, seniority benefits, grievance and disciplinary procedures and pay transparency.
Under federal law, both parties are required to bargain in good faith.
“I am so proud of my friends and colleagues who stood together to make this program and this job we love better for ourselves and all future corps,” says 26-year veteran caddy Tony Malokas in a statement provided by Local 19. “I look forward to productive talks at the bargaining table.”
MyGolfSpy will update this story as more information becomes available.
