Some PNC Park Workers Go On Strike

PITTSBURGH, PA — PNC Park ushers, ticket takers and ticket sellers have gone on strike and plan to picket at the next Pirates home game Thursday against the Cincinnati Reds. The work stoppage was announced Sunday by the Pittsburgh Stadium Independent Employees Union.

According to the union, striking workers will meet at the stadium 2 1/2 hours before the game's 6:30 p.m. start to determine picketing assignments at the individual gates.

The union website suggests several slogans for the picket signs, including two referencing Pirates owner Bob Nutting:

• PSIEU ON STRIKE

• USHERS, TICKET TAKERS, TICKET SELLERS ON STRIKE

• PAY “NUTTING” GET “NUTTING”

• PIRATES WANT US TO WORK FOR “NUTTING”

• WE DESERVE 2023 WAGES, NOT 2006 WAGES

The Pirates released the following statement on the labor dispute:

“We are disappointed that PSIEU did not ratify the proposed agreement. We have bargained in good faith under the guidance of a federal mediator for several months. After offering unprecedented wage increases and other economic benefits, we were twice told by union
leadership that they would take the proposed agreement back to its membership with their full support. It would be extremely disappointing if members of the union would choose to strike under these circumstances. We are hopeful that they will be able to ratify an agreement soon."