Aramark workers at Lincoln Financial Field authorize strike ahead of Eagles season opener

On Friday, Aramark food service workers at Lincoln Financial Field voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, coinciding with the Philadelphia Eagles' season opener against the Green Bay Packers in São Paulo, Brazil. The union, Unite Here Philly Local 274, reported that 84% of the workers supported the strike, joining their counterparts at Citizens Bank Park and the Wells Fargo Center, who had already taken similar actions. The workers are advocating for better wages and healthcare, emphasizing the need for their pay to keep pace with inflation. The union represents a diverse group of employees, including cooks, servers, bartenders, and dishwashers, all of whom perform similar roles across different stadiums. However, they are governed by varying rules and wage rates, which has led to calls for uniform contract language across all venues. In a recent vote, 98% of workers rejected Aramark's latest contract proposal, indicating strong dissatisfaction with the current terms. Prior to this, Aramark employees at Citizens Bank Park had also voted to authorize a strike, with 83% in favor, showcasing a growing trend of labor unrest among stadium workers in Philadelphia. An Aramark spokesperson acknowledged the employees' right to protest and expressed a commitment to negotiating in good faith. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle for fair labor practices in the food service industry, particularly in high-profile venues like sports stadiums.