Photo by Andrew Zwarych for Visit Philadelphia. ANDREW ZWARYCH
Aramark workers have authorized a work stoppage
Food and beverage workers at Citizens Bank Park have authorized a work stoppage, and colleagues at Lincoln Financial Field may be close behind.
Over 80% of Aramark workers at CBP voted in favor of a potential strike, according to WHYY. They are represented by Unite Here Philly Local 274. The union also represents LFF's Aramark employees. Those workers will vote on whether to authorize a strike through this week, with a decision expected on Friday.
Both groups of workers rejected the concession company's most recent contract offer in late July; contracts differ by venue. Workers have demonstrated outside Aramark's headquarters in Center City and before a Bruce Springsteen concert at CBP in recent months.
The workers are demanding "year-round health care benefits, family-sustaining wages and standard contract language, wages and responsibilities across positions at both stadiums," according to the report. Aramark workers at the Wells Fargo Center went on strike in April before a 76ers playoff game.
Aramark told WHYY it will continue to negotiate with the union, but it has "contingency plans in place to ensure our services are not interrupted and that the fan experience remains strong."
The Phillies have nine regular-season games remaining in September before the postseason begins. CBP will also host the barnstorming Savannah Bananas on Sept. 21. The Eagles' home opener is on Sept. 16; Temple has a game at LFF on Sept. 14.
Longtime Philly sports radio host Howard Eskin was banned from CBP earlier this year for making an unwanted advance toward an Aramark employee at the stadium. The Eagles have allowed him to continue serving as the sideline reporter on their WIP game broadcasts.
