76% of caddies voted "yes"

MONTEREY—Today caddies at Pebble Beach, a golf course nearly synonymous with the sport in America, won their union election. It is the first union of its kind. Caddies are now represented by UNITE HERE Local 19.

More than 300 caddies work across Pebble Beach Company’s golf courses – Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, The Links at Spanish Bay, and Del Monte Golf Course – and are employed by CaddieMaster.

“We are unified across the caddie body and I’m excited we voted collectively for the union,” said Kodiak Adams, who has been a CaddieMaster caddie for 5 years. “As part of the newer generation of caddies at Pebble Beach, we are looking forward to having a say over ensuring a respectful, dignified workplace for the long-term.”

Despite a persistent anti-union campaign by the employer and the resort to encourage a “no” vote, workers voted 76% in favor of unionizing. Caddies are eager to get to the bargaining table; with the ability to collectively bargain, caddies say they will have a chance to preserve the quality of their jobs, allowing new generations of caddies to provide a world-class experience for decades to come.

“I’m so proud of my friends and colleagues for standing together to make this program and this job that we love better for ourselves and all future caddies. I look forward to productive talks at the bargaining table,” said Tony Malokas, a 26-year caddie.

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UNITE HERE Local 19 represents more than 8,500 workers in hotels – including at the Lodge at Pebble Beach – restaurants, tech company and university cafeterias, airports, sports arenas, state and national parks, convention centers, and casinos throughout Northern California.