Pebble Beach caddies vote convincingly in favor of unionizing, will join local 19.

Pebble Beach caddies employed by Caddiemaster agreed to unionize by a sizeable margin.

In a vote held under National Labor Relations Board oversight on June 18, 76 percent of caddies approved joining Unite Here Local 19. It is perhaps the first time caddies at public courses have banded together for collective bargaining.

"I think it's a win for caddies across the country," says Danton McMullin, a Pebble Beach caddie who had been supportive of the measure. "There are things to figure out, but I'm excited."

There are between 250 and 300 caddies who serve Spyglass Hill, the Links at Spanish Bay, Del Monte Golf Course and Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Caddiemaster has operated the caddie program for Pebble Beach Company for two decades. In February the Florida-based company informed caddies who had been independent contractors that they would become employees beginning May 1.

On May 8, caddies presented a petition to be recognized as a union.

"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," said five-year caddie Kodiak Adams in a press statement.

Unite Here Local 19 will now be responsible for negotiating contract terms with Caddiemaster.