PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — For the second time in a matter of weeks, Aramark workers at the Wells Fargo Center are off the job and on the picket line. They’re striking ahead of Thursday night’s Sixers home playoff game.
These cooks, bartenders and concessions staff said they are still fighting to get what they deserve as their union, Unite Here Local 274, negotiates a new contract with Aramark. The union said many of its workers make about $14 to $15 an hour — much less than their counterparts in Chicago and Washington, D.C., who make about $20 to $21 an hour.
The union said it is not happy with the 25-cent hourly raise that Aramark proposed during their last bargaining session two weeks ago.
“That’s totally unacceptable,” said union President Rosslyn Wuchinich. “We’re very disappointed and feel like we had no other choice but to be out here, unfortunately, during the playoffs.”
And, there has yet to be any movement on the health care front. The union said many employees work at all three South Philadelphia Sports Complex buildings but are considered part-time in each venue, so they are not eligible for benefits.
Samantha Spector falls in that category. She works as a club attendant in all three sports venues year-round but doesn’t receive insurance.
“Health care is a human right,” she said. “It shouldn’t have to be negotiated. I mean, Aramark is just trying to save a dollar.”
Carlton Epps, a bartender at the arena, said their hard work is not being recognized.
“We’re the ones in contact with the guests. Our supervisors are not in contact with the guests. We’re the ones. So without us, what are they gonna do?” he questioned. “They don’t care. They don’t see it that way.”
This is Unite Here’s second work stoppage. The first was on April 9. Just like the first time, the union is discouraging fans from buying concessions inside, asking them to instead tailgate or eat and drink beforehand as an act of solidarity with workers.
Unionized workers have set up their picket line by the subway stop at Broad Street and Pattison Avenue. Picket lines at all the parking lot entrances are expected to grow throughout the day, especially as it gets closer to game time.
During the April 9 strike, Aramark put a contingency plan in place so that service in the building was not disrupted. In a new statement, 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 Sixers take on the Knicks at 7:30 p.m.