A Fenway first began today.
“For the first time in Fenway Park’s 113-year history, concession and restaurant workers went on strike Friday as the Boston Red Sox begin a three-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Members of UNITE HERE Local 26, who work for Aramark, providing food services in the historic ballpark and the neighboring MGM Music Hall, had set a strike deadline of noon on Friday to reach an agreement.
As negotiations continue for a new collective bargaining agreement, the union said its key demands are: citywide-standard wages; guardrails on automation; increased gratuity for premium workers who serve season ticket holders and special guests; and fair scheduling that respects workers’ seniority.
The strike affects workers inside Fenway, including beer sellers, cashiers, servers, souvenir vendors and utility workers.
Aramark said it is ‘disappointed that the union chose to set a strike deadline’ and that the company has ‘contingency plans in place to ensure that fans will not encounter service interruptions.’
Union officials said they are prepared to strike through Sunday. During that time, MGM Music Hall has one concert scheduled, with country music performer Riley Green on Friday.
Union officials also sent an open letter to Fenway Sports Group and Red Sox principal owner John Henry. In the letter, they discussed the issues of pay but also raised concerns about Aramark’s addition of self-checkout alcohol services in the ballpark.
‘This isn’t just a labor issue. It’s a community issue. It’s about whether the people who serve the hot dogs, pour the beer, and welcome the fans can afford to keep living in the city we love. It’s about ensuring Fenway Park continues to be a place of pride — not just for baseball, but for how it treats the people who make it special,’ they wrote.”
For the rest of the story, visit WCVB here.