Universal Tours Staff OKs Strike

Workers at Universal Studios Tour rejected the latest contract offer from management and authorized a strike, a union spokesman said Friday.

Nearly 90% of the about 200 members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees at the meeting Thursday night favored a strike and voted against a proposed four-year pact offering a 30-cent-an-hour pay raise each year, said union spokeswoman Geri Baly. The union has about 1,200 members.

“Everyone was very dissatisfied,” tour guide Mike Nelson said of the rejected contract offer. But he said he doubts that a strike will be necessary to settle the dispute.

A strike would shut down the tour and theme park featuring thrill rides and explosive stunt shows, but would not affect studio operations, Baly said. No strike date has been set.

The union represents workers at the park, including tour guides, Universal Amphitheater employees, parking lot attendants and janitors who make an average of $6.35 an hour, Baly said.