ANAHEIM – Angel Stadium workers frustrated by a lack of progress in contract negotiations with management this week voted to authorize a strike at any time if union leaders believe it’s necessary.

If union leaders called for a strike, about 400 workers – including ticket sellers, ticket takers, ushers and janitors – would walk off the job, said Mike Chavez, a spokesman for the union, SEIU United Service Workers West.

“We are always hopeful that we can avoid a strike and that we can move forward in these negotiations so our workers can continue to play a role in providing a positive fan experience.”

Union negotiators are particularly frustrated by attempts by stadium management to freeze wages when stadium attendance is the fifth highest in Major League Baseball and Angel Stadium workers are already the lowest paid of any baseball stadium in the state, including the Giants, As, Padres and Dodgers, Chavez said.

As a comparison, janitors at Angel Stadium make a standard rate of $11.72 per hour; in San Francisco: $15.15, and in Oakland: $17.50, according to Chavez.

“We are part of the Angels team and we work to make sure that every fan has an enjoyable experience when they come to Angel Stadium,” usher Alex Vega said in a statement. “But the Angels management is not treating us like part of the team.”

Angles spokesman Tim Mead said the union had not informed the Angels about the strike authorization, so the team was finding out about it through media inquiries.

“In the event the union chooses to strike, we will continue to operate and provide a great fan experience,” Mead said. “But we are very optimistic and hope that negotiations will move forward.”

The stadium workers also are reaching out to other unions, including the Teamsters, for support.

“We are part of the Angels team that makes Angels Stadium great. We will stand together with our brothers and sisters who work at the stadium,” Ernesto Medrano, a political coordinator with Teamsters Local 952, said in a statement.

The Angels are on a 10-game road trip. The team returns for a home stand next Tuesday.

Contact the writer: 714-704-3769 or ecarpenter@ocregister.com