The ongoing contract negotiations at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia have led hundreds of food service workers to participate in a one-day strike. Around 400 employees, including cooks, servers, bartenders, concession staff, and members of Unite Here union local 274, began picketing in the arena’s parking lot early in the day. They urged fans attending the Philadelphia 76ers’ game against the Detroit Pistons to refrain from purchasing any food, drinks or concessions from Aramark and to find alternative options instead.
The union expressed concerns about their wages and benefits not keeping pace with inflation. They pointed out disparities in hourly wages among staff working at multiple stadiums and raised issues about being treated as seasonal rather than year-round employees based on each sport’s season. One of the workers participating in the strike, Randi Trent, highlighted the need for better healthcare and wages for everyone. She emphasized that existing wages and low gratuities were not sufficient.
Aramark has assured that they are committed to bargaining in good faith to reach a mutually agreeable settlement. However, they did not provide specific details regarding their contingency plans for ensuring uninterrupted services during the game while the strikers are picketing. The Wells Fargo Center hosts several events throughout the year and this strike may affect other events scheduled during this timeframe as well.
