Fenway Park concessions workers go on strike for weekend Red Sox-Dodgers series
Fenway Park concession and restaurant workers went on strike Friday just as the Boston Red Sox opened a highly anticipated weekend series against the world champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
The union representing Aramark workers at Fenway Park and MGM Music Hall hit the picket line at noon after failing to reach a deal on a new contract. They said the strike will last three days through Sunday.
"Contingency plans in place"
Aramark insisted they will be ready for fans.
"We have bargained in good faith and are disappointed the union rejected our latest offer and chose to call a strike. We are committed to delivering an outstanding fan experience and have contingency plans in place to ensure fans will not encounter service interruptions," Aramark spokesperson Chris Collom said in a statement Friday afternoon.
Replacement workers crossed the picket line Friday afternoon, making their way through the staff entrance.
"The temps don't know the ins and outs of service," said Amanda Savage, a striking Fenway worker. "We're here to tell the jokes, we're here to provide the service and make it fun for you guys. It's not the same without us."
The union wants better pay that's comparable to other ballparks and similar Boston area jobs.
"We're not against the Red Sox; we're not against the fans," said Carlos Aramayo of Unite Here Local 26. "This is a situation with a concessionaire trying to pay bottom dollar."
One worker told WBZ-TV their tips have been cut because of automation. The union said at least a dozen jobs have been replaced by self-checkout alcohol kiosks.
"We want to stay in this city and what they're offering us for raises is pennies. The cost of living in this city and in this state is astronomical," said Fenway worker Catherine Sullivan.
No new contract talks have been scheduled.
"They're going to have a tough time selling concessions, I know that. I think management and temps will be working the stands. It's out of our control," said Fenway worker Bob White.
Fenway strike workers call for boycott
"It was a hard decision to make, one of the hardest of my life but, it was necessary," Fenway Park worker Tammy Nunez said of the strike.
They're asking baseball fans at Fenway this weekend to support them.
"Boycott concession stands, anything and everything inside Fenway Park, food, drinks, beer and souvenirs is part of us," she said.
Some fans say that may be hard to do.
"I support the unions and what they believe in, but this is the experience of a lifetime," said Roger Knox who was attending Friday night's game. It's a bucket list item and I'll probably get a Fenway Frank."
"We appreciate them and would love to support them, but we travelled a long way to enjoy the game and will probably have food and drink when we're there," said Jimmy Shutt.
Fans who attended Friday night's game said lines at the concessions seemed longer.
"There were no up the aisle, down the aisle vendors which seemed to be weird and cause a lot of lines in the corridor," said Bradford Dolittle as he walked out of Fenway. "They're just still stacked up in there. There's like 70 people to get a Dippin' Dots right now."
Red Sox statement on strike
"While the Boston Red Sox are not a party to these negotiations, we continue to stay in close communication with Aramark," the Red Sox said in a statement Friday afternoon.
"They've assured us that they remain engaged in good faith discussions and had extended a new offer as recently as last night, which was unfortunately rejected by the union. Aramark has implemented its contingency staffing plans, and fans can expect a full and uninterrupted ballpark experience this weekend, including access to all food, beverage, and hospitality services throughout Fenway Park. We remain hopeful that the parties will reach a swift and fair resolution."
