As the Flyers and Rangers battled on the ice during the Winter Classic, Citizens Bank Park employees gathered outside the stadium for a different type of fight.
Hundreds of concession stand workers, beer vendors, suite attendants and cashiers began to rally Monday afternoon in a protest for better wages, health benefits and steadier hours. They were joined by protesters from “Unite Here.”
Employees for local corporation Aramark have been negotiating a new contract since February of last year, according to News Works. Aramark made a final contract offer to its workers back on September 18 which the employees voted against.
A press release from Unite Here claims only 240 of the 1500 employees are eligible for basic health insurance benefits. They also claim Aramark’s proposal would have reduced the number of eligible workers to 81.
Protesters also say Aramark wants to reduce the minimum number of hours workers get paid during each game, prevent them from working all the games in the home stand, avoid paying them overtime and also prevent beer vendors from advertising on the concourse. Concession workers earn an average of $11 per hour, according to News Works.
Since Aramark’s contract offer was voted down, workers have held several rallies outside Citizens Bank Park. They’ve also held marches outside Aramark’s global headquarters on Market Street.
Aramark spokesperson Nicole Kennedy told News Works that the company wants to work out a deal. Kennedy told News Works the following:
We’re disappointed that the union turned down an offer containing the highest wage increases ever offered at Citizens Bank Park. However we are hopeful that we will soon reach an agreement that works for everyone. We’re dedicated to treating all of our employees with dignity and respect, as they are an important part of our business and we greatly appreciate their contributions.
