
Fenway Park concession workers walk off job prior to Red Sox series with Dodgers
Members of Union Here Local 26 have been battling Aramark food services company for more than six months in an attempt to garner higher wages. Union workers average $18 per hour but have cited concession workers at nearby Boston University who make an average of $23 per hour, according to the union.
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The union has also asked Aramark to limit automated checkout machines at Fenway, which have cut into jobs and tips, and better scheduling that reflects workers' seniority on the job.
In the midst of negotiations, workers had threatened to strike if no deal was made by noon eastern on Friday. When their self-imposed deadline passed the strike went into effect.
Union Here Local 26 sent an open letter to Red Sox principal owner John Henry: 'We, the concessions workers at Fenway Park and MGM Music Hall and proud members of UNITE HERE Local 26, are writing with a simple and heartfelt request: Please pay attention to the people who help make Fenway run.'
The union asked fans to avoid purchasing food or drinks in the ballpark during a three-game series. The Red Sox go on the road Monday to Minnesota but are set to return to Boston next weekend.
Streets outside Fenway Park were quiet four hours before the game, but with sellout crowds expected this weekend, that seems likely to change by first pitch.
(Top photo of striking workers outside Fenway Park on Friday: Cassandra Klos/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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