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CBS News
5 days ago
- Sport
- CBS News
Fans torn on what to do during Fenway Park concessions worker strike during Red Sox-Dodgers games
Fans were left torn on what to do about the Fenway Park concessions worker strike while attending the highly anticipated Boston Red Sox series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The strike began on Friday and is set to last through Sunday. Workers, represented by Unite Here Local 26, are calling on food supplier Aramark to give them better pay that reflects the wages around the city and at other ballparks. They are also asking for an end to replacing workers with self-checkout kiosks. "We just ask them to respect the picket line and get food and drinks somewhere else," said Madeline Rivera, a striking concession worker, as she stood alongside her colleagues, chanting for change. As fans entered the stadium for the second game of a weekend series between the Red Sox and the Dodgers, some fans chose to bring their own food to the game. "We fully agree with it," Margo Healey said. "Fenway makes a lot of money, and these people deserve to be paid right." Ken added, "Don't us charge ten bucks for a beer and then nickel and dime these poor guys." Despite the solidarity by some, fans like Dan Finn told WBZ-TV that avoiding purchases at the ballpark would be challenging. "It's such a long game, and people get thirsty and hungry. So, if I need something, I might have to unfortunately," Finn admitted. Replacement workers were sent to man the concessions stands at Fenway Park during the games. Amid the workers' absence, fans say they have noticed longer lines at concession stands. "I saw an ice cream line there was at least like 75 people in line," recalled Sandy Kershaw, a fan at Friday night's game. Patty Fox, another fan, added, "It was not like as many stations as there usually are." Carlos Aramayo, president of Unite Here Local 26, emphasized that the strike is not against the Red Sox or about inconveniencing fans, but rather the union's way of fighting for fair pay. "There is no way that at a ballpark like this, with an ownership group like the Red Sox, that has so much money that we should have people making poverty wages," Aramayo said. The Red Sox said on Friday that they are not a part of the negotiations, but are staying in touch with Aramark. Aramark issued a statement Friday saying, "We have bargained in good faith and are disappointed the union rejected our latest offer and chose to call a strike." Unless their demands are met, Aramayo says the union will once again hold the picket line Sunday afternoon, at the final game of this weekend's highly anticipated series "Our members are strong. They're going to be staying out until we get this done, until we get a really good contract," he said. Aramayo said that they haven't heard from Aramark since Friday and hopes they will come back to the bargaining table.
The Guardian
6 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Fenway Park concession workers on strike for first time in 113 years
Hundreds of Aramark workers at Fenway Park are on strike and planning to stay out for all of a homestand between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers starting Friday night. Concession workers had set a deadline of noon Friday for Aramark and Fenway Park to reach an agreement with the Local 26 chapter of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island hotel, casino, airport and food services workers union. The walkout, which union leaders say is the first in Fenway Park's 113-year history, follows more than a year of contract negotiations and months of escalating frustration over pay, job security and automation. In addition to higher wages, one of the biggest sticking points has been the rise of self-service machines that Aramark installed at Fenway in 2023. The company added six Mashgin units – AI-powered kiosks that dispense beer and popcorn without the need for human staff – and Local 26 members say the machines threaten to erode the fan experience and replace workers altogether. Similar technology has already spread to 20 of the 30 ballparks across Major League Baseball and thousands of other venues nationwide. US senator Bernie Sanders, who spoke with union members during a recent Zoom call, weighed in with a public letter to Aramark CEO John Zillmer and Red Sox principal owner John Henry, urging them to support 'living wages' and 'human interaction' at the ballpark. 'If Aramark can afford to pay you $18.7 million in compensation and provide nearly $100 million in dividends for your wealthy shareholders,' Sanders wrote to Zillmer, 'it can afford to pay all of your workers a living wage and not threaten to take away their jobs and their income with faceless Mashgin touchscreen computers.' With no deal reached by the deadline, the union went on strike at noon on Friday, rallying behind demands for 'living wages, guardrails on technology and R-E-S-P-E-C-T!' The most recent bargaining session between Aramark and the union took place last Tuesday, but the two sides remain far apart on key issues. In a statement, Aramark expressed disappointment over the strike and said it had 'contingency plans in place to ensure that fans will not encounter service interruptions'. The company added it remained willing to bargain in good faith. With the Red Sox and Dodgers scheduled to start at 7.10pm local time, union officials had a message for fans attending this high-profile series: 'We're asking you to NOT buy concessions inside the ballpark,' Local 26 wrote on social media. 'Tailgate before the games!' Union workers walked the picket line outside Fenway wearing green T-shirts that read 'FENWAY WORKERS ON STRIKE' and carried signs shaped like baseballs bearing the Local 26 logo. Because concession work at Fenway is seasonal, union leaders acknowledged that a prolonged indefinite strike would pose hardships for many part-time workers. For now, the plan is to remain off the job through the weekend. The Red Sox head out of town Monday for a three-game road trip in Minnesota, before returning for a six-game homestand in August. In an open letter this week, Local 26 called on Henry and Fenway Sports Group to step in and pressure Aramark to deliver 'reasonable proposals' that reflect the workers' value. 'Mr Henry, Fenway Park is your house,' the letter said. 'We're asking you … to intervene.'
Mint
6 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Beer and food workers on strike at Fenway Park for homestand between Dodgers and Red Sox
BOSTON (AP) — Striking Fenway Park vendors banged on drums and shouted 'Don't buy food!' while walking a picket line outside the home of the Boston Red Sox before Friday night's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hundreds of Aramark workers marched along the street behind the team's right field concourse before the series opener, carrying round picket signs decorated with red baseball stitching. A giant inflatable rat shared the sidewalk with a statue of Red Sox greats Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, Dom DiMaggio and Johnny Pesky. Local 26 of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island hotel, casino, airport and food services workers union went on strike at noon on Friday. It posted that it is asking for 'living wages, guardrails on technology and R-E-S-P-E-C-T!' It's believed to be the first union walkout in the ballpark's 113-year-history. 'Respect the picket line," the union posted. 'We know tix are expensive, we're not asking you to stay away from the home games. But we ARE asking you to not buy concessions. No purchase of pretzels, pickles or peanuts inside the ballpark during the homestand.' An Aramark spokesman said the company has bargained in good faith and is '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,' the company said. The Red Sox noted that the team was not involved in the negotiations but remained in contact with the concessionaire. Aramark made an offer as recently as Thursday night that was rejected by the union, the team said. '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,' the team said. "We remain hopeful that the parties will reach a swift and fair resolution.' U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders called on the team to support the vendors. 'Fenway Park is an iconic American institution, and it's the workers there that make every Red Sox game special,' he posted on social media. 'The team is extremely profitable. They should treat their employees with respect, pay them decent wages and negotiate a fair contract with the union.' Maggie McCue, a beer vendor with 19 years of experience who is 24 weeks pregnant with twins, took a break from marching in the near-90 degree temperatures to eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Her mother, also a beer vendor for almost two decades, said the team can afford for the workers to be paid a living wage. 'They have more money than they need,' Marianne McCue said. 'We are Fenway. Fenway is us. Some people have been here 40-something years and they're not even backing us up. Shame on them. I never thought that at 70 years old I would be on strike, but here we are." The Red Sox play three games against the Dodgers before leaving town again for a series beginning Monday night in Minneapolis against the Twins. It was a chance for Boston fans to welcome back ex-Red Sox star Mookie Betts, who was traded to Los Angeles a year after winning the AL MVP in a cost-cutting. Now, with Betts in the visiting dugout, the vendors are looking to get paid. 'It's come full circle,' Maggie McCue said. 'Full circle.'
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Fenway Park food and beverage workers strike during Red Sox-Dodgers homestand
Fenway Park vendors strike amid Red Sox vs. Dodgers series Hundreds of unionized food and beverage workers employed by Aramark went on strike Friday, July 25, at Fenway Park ahead of the Boston Red Sox's three-game homestand against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The strike is scheduled to continue throughout the weekend series, marking the first known union walkout in the ballpark's 113-year history. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category MCA others Data Science healthcare Others Operations Management MBA Public Policy PGDM Design Thinking CXO Digital Marketing Artificial Intelligence Product Management Finance Project Management Technology Data Science Healthcare Degree Management Cybersecurity Data Analytics Leadership Skills you'll gain: Programming Proficiency Data Handling & Analysis Cybersecurity Awareness & Skills Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Master of Computer Applications Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details The vendors, represented by Local 26 of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island hotel, casino, airport, and food services workers union, began picketing outside the stadium around noon Friday. They marched behind Fenway Park's right field concourse, carrying baseball-themed picket signs and chanting slogans such as 'Don't buy food!' A large inflatable rat was displayed alongside statues of Red Sox legends Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, Dom DiMaggio, and Johnny Pesky. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Web Search For YouTube search Search Now Undo Also read: What is the 'catcher's interference' rule in MLB? Following the first pitch, another group of striking workers circled behind home plate. The union is calling for "living wages, guardrails on technology and R-E-S-P-E-C-T!" according to posts shared on its social media accounts. Live Events 'Respect the picket line," the union posted. 'We know tix are expensive, we're not asking you to stay away from the home games. But we ARE asking you to not buy concessions. No purchase of pretzels, pickles or peanuts inside the ballpark during the homestand.' Aramark responds as Fenway food workers demand living wages Aramark, the stadium's concessions provider, stated it has bargained in good faith and expressed disappointment over the union's decision to strike. 'We are committed to delivering an outstanding fan experience and have contingency plans in place to ensure fans will not encounter service interruptions,' a company spokesperson said. The Boston Red Sox clarified that they are not directly involved in the contract negotiations but remain in communication with Aramark. '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,' the team said. 'We remain hopeful that the parties will reach a swift and fair resolution.' The strike drew national attention, including from US Senator Bernie Sanders, who urged the Red Sox to support the vendors. 'Fenway Park is an iconic American institution, and it's the workers there that make every Red Sox game special,' Sanders posted. 'The team is extremely profitable. They should treat their employees with respect, pay them decent wages and negotiate a fair contract with the union.' Maggie McCue, a longtime beer vendor who is 24 weeks pregnant with twins, paused from marching in near-90-degree temperatures to speak briefly. Her mother, also a veteran vendor, criticized the lack of support from some colleagues. 'We are Fenway. Fenway is us,' Marianne McCue said. Also read: Rich Hill joins Royals at 45, ties record for 14 teams and becomes MLB's oldest player; see the full team The homestand includes three games against the Dodgers, featuring the return of former Red Sox star Mookie Betts. 'It's come full circle,' said Maggie McCue.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Beer and food workers go on first strike in 113 years during Dodgers vs Red Sox game at Fenway Park
Beer and food workers go on first strike in 113 years during Dodgers vs Red Sox game at Fenway Park (Image via X) Hundreds of food and beer workers at Fenway Park went on strike just before the Dodgers vs Red Sox on Friday night. It all started a few hours before the game, and now they're asking fans not to buy anything inside the stadium. The workers say they're not being treated fairly, and after years of serving fans, they just want better pay, job safety, and some basic respect. Striking workers ask fans not to buy food during Dodgers vs Red Sox homestand Food and beverage employees at Fenway Park in Boston went on strike on Friday, July 25, 2025, just before the first home game of the Boston Red Sox versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. Running the food operations for Aramark, the company that manages the ballpark, are these workers. Mid-noon, just hours before the major game, the strike began. Workers banged drums, walked around the stadium, and held signs asking fans not to buy food or drinks during the game. It's the first time in 113 years that a workers' strike has happened at Fenway Park. Part of Local 26, the workers are seeking for more respect at work, better pay, and job protection from new technology. Many of them have been working at the stadium for more than ten, twenty, even forty years. Maggie McCue, Bernie Sanders, and hundreds more stand with workers at Fenway Maggie McCue, a beer vendor for 19 years who is pregnant with twins, joined the protest with her mom, Marianne McCue, who's also worked at Fenway for nearly two decades. 'We are Fenway,' said Marianne. 'Some of us have been here over 40 years. We deserve better.' Maggie added, 'It's come full circle,' pointing to the return of Mookie Betts, who now plays for the Dodgers. Also Read: New York Mets star Brett Baty announces engagement to Anna Sprys with romantic photos from Cape May U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders also supported the workers, saying on social media , 'Fenway Park is an iconic American place, but the workers are the heart. They deserve fair pay and respect.' A giant inflatable rat stood next to statues of Red Sox legends like Ted Williams and Dom DiMaggio as workers picketed outside the right field gate. They walked behind home plate too after the first pitch. Aramark said they offered a new deal just one night before the strike, but the union rejected it. The company said, 'We are disappointed but have backup plans in place so fans won't face service problems.' The Red Sox, not part of the talks, confirmed that food and drink services will still be open, but they hope the dispute ends soon. The Red Sox and Dodgers play three games in Boston this weekend before the Sox head to Minnesota on Monday. FAQs Q1: Why are workers striking at Fenway Park? They want better wages, job safety, and respect. Q2: Will food and drinks still be available during the games? Yes, Aramark said they have backup staff ready. Q3: Who supported the striking workers publicly? U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and many long-time vendors. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
