The food service workers at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia went on a one-day strike on Tuesday as contract negotiations with Aramark, the firm that operates concessions at the stadium, continued. Approximately 400 cooks, servers, bartenders, concession staffers, and other members of Unite Here union local 274 gathered in the arena’s parking lot to picket. The workers urged fans attending the Philadelphia 76ers game against the Detroit Pistons to refrain from purchasing food, drinks, or concessions from Aramark and instead eat elsewhere. The union claims that their wages and benefits are not keeping up with inflation and that some workers are paid different hourly wages at each stadium they work at.
One of the workers participating in the strike was Randi Trent, a caterer with Aramark for 23 years. Trent emphasized the importance of fighting for better wages and healthcare for all workers. She mentioned that she currently makes $8 an hour and relies on gratuities, but that the percentages are low. Chris Collom, a spokesperson for Aramark, stated that the company is committed to bargaining in good faith to reach a settlement that benefits all parties. He mentioned that the firm had put contingency plans in place to ensure that services were not disrupted during Tuesday night’s game, but did not provide specific details.
The union representing the workers, which includes employees from the Wells Fargo Center, Lincoln Financial Field, and Citizens Bank Park, where the Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia Phillies play, argues that their members are often treated as seasonal workers instead of year-round employees. This is based on the different sports seasons at each stadium. The workers are demanding better wages and benefits that reflect their contributions and the rising cost of living. They believe that they are not being adequately compensated for their work and are taking a stand to advocate for fair treatment.
Collom, the Aramark spokesperson, did not disclose the specifics of the contingency plans put in place for the strike but assured that the company was working to ensure that services at the Wells Fargo Center were not disrupted. The strike had a visible impact as fans arriving at the arena were greeted by picketing workers encouraging them to support their cause by not purchasing concessions from Aramark. The workers expressed solidarity in their fight for better wages and benefits, emphasizing the need for fair treatment and proper compensation for their labor. The outcome of the contract negotiations between the union and Aramark will determine whether the workers’ demands are met and if further action will be taken.
