Locked-out workers upset golf tourney

By Terri Kay
Pleasanton, Calif.

The mostly Latino/a members of UNITE HERE Local 2850 defied the owner-members of the elite Castlewood Country Club once again at the club’s annual Men’s Invitational here on June 23. The club has locked out the workers for more than two years, after they refused to accept major cuts to their health care benefits.

Workers and their supporters came out to the club’s biggest annual golf tournament, refusing to allow the millionaire members to ignore their struggle. To make sure they were heard, the protesters came armed with drums, trombones, tambourines, bullhorns, songs and chants. They were determined to prevent the bosses from having a peaceful golf outing at the expense of the workers and their families.

At endthelockout.org, the workers say a major open issue is that “Under the Club’s current proposal, the Club would contribute up to $500 per qualifying worker per month for health care. However, the Club’s health plan charges $1,349 per month for family coverage. So workers would be stuck paying the difference ($849), more than 40 percent of their average wage.”

The Castlewood workers are fighting for health care for their children, job security and the right to work with dignity. Many of the rich member-owners have been disrespectful to the workers during this struggle. Some have tried to run over workers with their golf carts and/or have made ridiculous statements like “I pay for my health care. Why can’t you pay for yours?”

This reporter noted that one of the golfers tried to run her over with a golf cart while she was taking a photograph, claiming she was on the cart pathway.