Aramark workers at Wells Fargo Center to strike Thursday during Sixers-Knicks playoff game
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – For the second time this month, Aramark workers at the Wells Fargo Center are going on strike.
On Thursday, April 25, workers represented by Unite Here Local 274 plan to walk off the job during the Philadelphia 76ers game against the New York Knicks, the first home game for the Sixers in Round 1 of the NBA playoffs.
The union, which represents cooks, servers, bartenders, concessions workers, dishwashers and warehouse employees, is currently in negotiations with Aramark, demanding better wages and health care benefits. The union says it's fighting for food service jobs at the South Philly Sports Complex to be like other year-round jobs with "health care and family-sustaining wages that keep up with inflation."
Last Thursday, the Philadelphia City Council passed a resolution supporting food service employees in their contract negotiations, and urged Aramark "to negotiate fair and equitable contracts that provide these workers with a standard minimum wage and health care coverage."
"We need family-sustaining wage increases. Aramark has the power to make a difference in our lives by providing us with the wages and health care that we need," Fred Motley, an Aramark employee, said during that meeting.
In statement to CBS News Philadelphia, Chris Collom, vice president of corporate communications for Aramark, said, "We will continue to bargain in good faith with the union and its members to reach an agreement that works for everyone. We are disappointed the union has announced another strike before responding to the offer discussed at the last bargaining session on April 11. Aramark has contingency plans in place to ensure our services are not interrupted and that the fan experience remains strong during the playoffs."
The union says workers plan to picket throughout the day Thursday outside the Wells Fargo Center at the corner of Broad Street and Pattison Avenue.
Second Aramark workers strike this month at Wells Fargo Center
Thursday's walkout comes about about two weeks after workers held a one-day strike during the Philadelphia 76ers-Detroit Pistons game at the Wells Fargo Center on April 9 over stalled contract negotiations.
During that work stoppage, the union asked fans going to the Sixers regular season game to not buy food or drinks from Aramark at the Wells Fargo Center and to eat elsewhere.
Aramark, the food service and facilities service provider, has its headquarters located in Philly. The company provides food and beverage service at Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field, along with the Wells Fargo Center.
The union is also in negotiations with Aramark for a new collective bargaining agreement for food service workers at the Linc and CBP.
