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Fenway food and drink workers say a strike will begin Friday if company doesn’t meet demands
In an open letter, Fenway workers ask Henry: “If Aramark can pay more at other ballparks across the country, why are Fenway workers treated as second-class?”
For many employees at Fenway Park, working at the historic ballpark is more than just a job — it’s about creating unforgettable moments for fans and fostering a sense of camaraderie among workers.
“[Fenway] is my friends, it’s my family, it’s my gym, it’s my civic activity, it’s all those things,” said Catherine Sullivan, a server who has worked at the ballpark for 26 seasons. “It’s like a family.”
Unionized food and beverage workers at the ballpark and its neighbor MGM Music Hall announced at a press conference Wednesday they will begin to strike Friday if the venues’ food and beverage partner, Aramark, does not meet the union’s demands.
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“None of us want to be on strike,” Sullivan said. “It’s like a pit in my stomach.”
Unite Here Local 26 President Carlos Aramayo said the strike will span three days after the 48-hour deadline passes, lasting throughout the Red Sox vs. Dodgers’ Friday to Sunday homestand games, and then the group will look to continue discussions with Aramark.
During the strike — which would mark the first strike in Fenway’s 113-year history — the union is requesting Fenway customers to enjoy their experience, but support strikers by not purchasing food or drink inside the ballpark.
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Aramark responded to the union’s threat of a strike in a statement Wednesday afternoon, saying it is “disappointed.”
“In the event of a strike, we have contingency plans in place to ensure that fans will not encounter service interruptions. We will continue to work with the union to try to reach an agreement,” the company said.
Aramayo said the gap at the bargaining table is “significant.”
“At this stage, there are no plans for negotiations, but obviously we’ll pick up the phone immediately if Aramark reaches out,” he said.
The pay for hourly nontipped workers at Fenway spans from $17-to $22, a spokesperson for Local 26 told Boston.com.
Charbel Salameh, a beer seller, said he earns $127.43 for a seven hour shift.
Sullivan said when employees are hired at Fenway Park, they are only paid 80% of their wage during their first season.
“When people come in making $18 an hour, it’s more like $15.88 they’re getting,” Sullivan said. She added it takes three years for employees to receive their “promised wage.”
The union detailed how Fenway Park employees are also troubled by Aramark’s recent move to install self-checkout alcohol kiosks, calling it a “risk to public safety, to fans, and to the legacy of Fenway itself.”
Workers said the change results in over-serving and minors being able to access alcohol.
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“We would prefer a contract that doesn’t replace me with a machine,” said Amanda Savage, a stand worker who has worked at the ballpark since she was in high school.
Savage, who also works as a fourth grade teacher, recalled moments where season ticket holders have sought her out at games to take pictures. With the addition of self-checkout machines, that isn’t common anymore, she said.
“I don’t interact with customers anymore,” Savage said. “Now, my whole job is to yell at you and make sure your cans are open.”
The union emphasized the pride Fenway employees have around working at the iconic ballpark.
“I want to come to work on Friday.” Sullivan said. “But I can’t come to work knowing that the people I work with, that make my job possible, aren’t getting paid what they richly and justly deserve.”
The workers and Local 26 called on John Henry, who owns the Red Sox through Fenway Sports Group, to use his influence in a letter sent Tuesday.
“We’re asking you to tell Aramark to bring reasonable proposals to the table that recognize our value and our role in making Fenway thrive,” members of Unite Here Local 26 wrote to Henry, who also owns Boston.com’s parent company.
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The letter, which has more than 45 signatures, asks Henry and Red Sox President Sam Kennedy to intervene. Henry also owns Boston.com’s parent company.
Henry has not publicly weighed in on the dispute between Aramark and its unionized workers. The conflict has garnered attention from Red Sox players and Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Sanders sent a letter to Henry and Aramark CEO John Zillmer on July 16, requesting them to negotiate “in good faith” with the union.
A Fenway Sports Group spokesperson declined to comment to The Boston Globe about Sanders’ letter. Similarly, an FSG spokesperson told Axios to direct any questions to Aramark, including questions about how a potential strike could affect the Red Sox.
Salameh, who signed the letter, said he has worked at the park for 28 years.
“I signed the letter hoping Mr. Henry will take a look at it and say, ‘Hey, these guys have put in their time,’” he said. He recalled how Henry pledged $1 million dollars to the ballpark’s workers in the midst of the COVID-19 shutdown. “It showed that [Henry] did hear the cry calling out for him, and he did answer.”
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