PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Unionized food service and hospitality workers at the Wells Fargo Center voted on whether to authorize a strike against their employer, Aramark.
Ballots were cast Saturday morning as 600 to 650 Aramark food service employees arrived at work for the afternoon’s Flyers-Bruins game. The results of the vote will be announced on Sunday.
Sports Complex workers with Unite Here 274 are the people who serve fans concessions on game days. They said they need family wages that keep up with inflation and health benefits.
“We don’t have benefits right now and that’s what we’re fighting for, and we’re doing a strike vote because we’re asking for fair wages and full coverage for health care,” said Samantha Spector, one of many employees who work at not only the Wells Fargo Center but also Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field.
Spector said pay differs at each venue for the same jobs. Hospitality workers demand a master contract to ensure all employees are paid the same wage at all three venues.
“In one building, you can make $15 an hour. In another building, you can make $18,” she said. “It just depends which building you’re at, and they don’t calculate our hours for healthcare.”
Aramark reported a consolidated revenue of $18.9 billion in 2023, a 15% increase over the previous fiscal year. Many workers who spoke with KYW Newsradio said if that figure is accurate, then the company can afford to provide health care and pay increases to its food service workers.
“Our message is that the 20-cent raises are over and we deserve a fair wage,” Spector said.
A strike authorization vote does not automatically ensure a strike. It gives union leaders the authority to declare one if contract negotiations fall through.
KYW Newsradio reached out to Aramark for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.