Concessions workers at three major stadiums in Philadelphia took a stand on Monday as negotiations with their employer, Aramark, reached a stalemate.
Cooks, servers, bartenders, dishwashers, cleaners, retail workers, and warehouse employees joined forces after more than six months of contract talks. Represented by the Unite Here Local 247 union, workers at Lincoln Financial Field, Citizens Bank Park, and the Wells Fargo Center are demanding improved wages and healthcare benefits.
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The strike coincides with Mayor Cherelle Parker’s recent endorsement of a new 76ers stadium in Center City. This move has sparked discussions about the quality of jobs provided by stadium food services.
Tiffani Davis, an Aramark concessions worker at all three stadiums, highlighted the importance of year-round benefits for year-round work. She emphasized the necessity of sustainable wages and healthcare coverage for employees.
Teamsters Joint Council 23, which represents food and beverage truck drivers, has also extended support to the striking workers by allowing its members to refuse deliveries to the affected stadiums.
Despite their hard work at all three venues, employees face challenges in qualifying for full-time benefits due to how Aramark calculates their hours separately. Previous strikes in April forced Aramark to hire temporary replacements, causing disruptions during the 76ers season.
Aramark insists that it has negotiated in good faith for over six months and made concessions in its latest offer, including a change to how hours are counted across stadiums and eliminating an eligibility cap for healthcare benefits. However, the union rejected this offer five weeks ago, citing the need for more substantive changes.
In response, Aramark is prepared with contingency plans to ensure minimal impact on guest experiences. The strike could disrupt events such as the Phillies game against the Chicago Cubs, upcoming concerts, and pre-season Flyers games.
Solidarity with the workers has led to calls for a boycott of Aramark by bringing outside food to the stadiums or organizing tailgates before events. While clear plastic bags are allowed at Citizens Bank and Lincoln Financial for food items, alcohol is prohibited. The Wells Fargo Center, however, restricts outside food to essential items only.