Aramark workers to strike at South Philadelphia stadiums on Monday

Food service workers at Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, and Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia are set to strike starting Monday. The strike, announced by Unite Here Local 274, affects cooks, servers, bartenders, dishwashers, and other staff across all three venues. Workers voted to authorize the strike as part of a campaign for better wages and health care coverage. The union is advocating for the aggregation of hours worked across multiple stadiums to determine health care eligibility, as current policies count hours separately. The strike is expected to begin early Monday morning, with many workers arriving in the late afternoon to coincide with their shifts. The union has called on fans attending events at the stadiums to boycott food and drinks provided by Aramark, the company responsible for concessions at these venues. This action comes during a busy week for the stadiums, with the Phillies playing the Chicago Cubs and various concerts scheduled. The workers' demands highlight ongoing issues related to fair compensation and health care access for those employed in the sports and entertainment industry. The union's efforts reflect a broader movement among service workers seeking improved working conditions and benefits. The outcome of this strike could have significant implications for labor relations in the region. As the strike unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor the response from Aramark and the impact on upcoming events. The situation underscores the challenges faced by workers in securing family-sustaining wages and adequate health care, particularly in high-demand environments like sports stadiums.