Striking Food Vendors at Fenway Park Disrupt Games during Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers Encounter
Unionized Concession Workers at Fenway Park Strike for Better Wages and Conditions
A strike by unionized concession workers at Fenway Park, operated by Aramark, is underway due to the company's failure to offer a new labor contract. The workers, represented by Unite Here Local 26, are demanding significant wage increases, improved scheduling conditions, and addressing concerns about automation.
The workers' current hourly wage is under $20, which is about $10 less than comparable jobs in the Boston area. They are seeking wages that reflect city standards and fair scheduling practices, as well as a halt to the use of self-checkout kiosks that could potentially reduce human jobs.
Negotiations have stalled after a July 25 deadline, with Aramark claiming it has made offers and bargained in good faith. However, the union has rejected these offers, leading to the strike. The Boston Red Sox organization, while not a direct party to these negotiations, has faced criticism for the disparity between the substantial wealth of the team’s owner and the low wages paid to concession workers.
The strike has caused food and drink shortages at Fenway Park for the first time in its 113-year history. Fans attending games during the strike have mixed reactions, with some supporting the workers and agreeing that pay should improve given Fenway Park’s revenue, while others find it difficult to go without concession purchases during games.
The strike comes ahead of the Boston Red Sox's weekend series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking the first strike in Fenway Park's 113-year history. Aramark has released a statement expressing disappointment over the strike and their commitment to delivering an outstanding fan experience without service interruptions. The company has also publicly stated it will not implement a full overhaul of staff in favor of machines.
This is not the first labor strike by sports hospitality workers against Aramark. In September 2024, some members of Local 274, Unite Here’s Philadelphia chapter, picketed Aramark at the city’s stadium district. The Philadelphia strike lasted just four days and was resolved with new six-year contracts at each of the city's Aramark serviced major sports venues, with new hourly wage minimums for non-tipped employees rising to at least $24 per hour in 2029, and increased access to health insurance also agreed upon.
Fans attending games at Fenway Park are advised to bring sealed 16-oz. plastic bottles of water, as cans, bottles, or glass containers from outside the park are not allowed. Hard-sided coolers are also prohibited. Outside alcohol is not allowed at Fenway Park.
[1] Boston Globe: Unionized Fenway Park concession workers to strike
[2] CBS Boston: Fenway Park Concession Workers Strike
- The unionized concession workers' strike at Fenway Park, a significant symbol of Boston commerce and sports, highlights the need for better wages and working conditions in the industry, a debate that extends beyond city limits, as evidenced by similar strikes at Aramark-managed sports venues nationwide.
- Despite the ongoing strike, Fenway Park, a major finance hub during sports events due to food and merchandise sales, is facing challenges in maintaining business operations, with potential long-term impacts on the local economy and fan experiences.
- As the strike continues to make headlines in finance and business sectors, sports-betting platforms, another facet of Boston's commerce, could potentially see a shift in consumer behavior, with bettors considering the social responsibility of supporting establishments sympathetic to the workers' cause.
