Hundreds of Fenway Park concession workers, members of UNITE HERE Local 26, went on strike starting July 25, 2025, during the Boston Red Sox’s high-profile home series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This strike is the first in Fenway Park’s 113-year history and has raised significant concerns about potential chaos and disruptions amid what is expected to be a major sporting event.
The workers, employed by food service provider Aramark, are demanding higher wages, protection against job losses from automation, and improved scheduling practices. Currently, many employees earn around $18 per hour, which the union considers insufficient, especially compared to nearby institutions like Boston University where similar workers earn about $23 per hour. The union also expressed frustration with Aramark’s recent contract proposal, which they said barely increased wages by cents rather than dollars, leading to the strike initiation when negotiations fell apart by the employer’s imposed deadline.
During the strike, workers picketed outside the park wearing green with signs shaped like baseballs, urging fans not to buy concessions inside the stadium. This labor action affects not only Fenway but also workers at the nearby MGM Music Hall, extending the strike’s impact beyond just baseball games.
Aramark stated it had contingency plans to maintain service and expressed disappointment over the strike decision. The Red Sox organization also hopes for a swift resolution but as of late July, no talks were scheduled, and the possibility of continued strikes looms, especially with upcoming homestands against the Houston Astros and Kansas City Royals later in the week.
The strike highlights broader issues about fair pay and job security in service roles at major sporting venues, with strong local and union solidarity supporting the workers’ fight for dignity and economic justice.
