Numbers Game: Seasonal River Cats Employees Told They Can't Work For Other Venues
WEST SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – It's a game-changer for Sacramento River Cats seasonal employees.
A new policy bans the hiring of employees who also work for the Sacramento Kings or the Sacramento Republic, blaming scheduling conflicts.
"We've started to see it more and more," said Robert Barsanti with the River Cats. "It eventually got to a point where we felt like we had to do something,"
One employee working two jobs is now strike three.
"We are implementing a policy where our seasonal game day employees will not be allowed to work for other seasonal event venues," Barsanti said.
A change-up for River Cats employees who, besides working at the ballpark, also work at the Golden 1 Center or Bonney Field.
Too many times, the River Cats say they've been out of workers who have chosen to clock-in at their other jobs during competing events.
"As the city grows, so too do all their events and wave seen fairly recently more scheduling conflicts than we have in the past," Barsanti said. "And so we're looking to prevent as much of that as possibly moving forward."
CBS13 has covered River Cats job fairs in the past, with hundreds showing up each year for positions ranging from parking attendant to usher.
Now they'll all be asked: Where else do you work?
"In no way is this supposed to be an us or them situation, we just want to make sure when you work for us, you commit to working for us," Barsanti said.
Sacramento's big three sports venues – Raley Field, the Golden 1 Center, and Bonney Field – also are bringing in more concerts and other entertainment acts.
"I think this market is maturing dramatically and we're seeing multiple events on multiple weekends. You understand that people are spread a little too thin," said Mike Testa with Visit Sacramento.
The River Cats say they've received complaints about the policy from 15 to 20 employees who also work for the Sacramento Kings. Those employees who depended on paychecks from both organizations will have a tough choice to make.