Red Senate member Chris Murphy criticizes Red Sox team owner following concession workers' strike at Fenway Park: "It's foul"
Concession Workers' Strike at Fenway Park Ends, but Uncertainty Remains
After four days of disruption, the concession workers' strike at Fenway Park, led by UNITE HERE Local 26 and employed by Aramark, came to an end on Sunday night, July 27, 2025. The union's bargaining committee will decide in the coming days if the strike will resume.
The key issues leading to the strike include wage disparities, automation concerns, and the quality of work and conditions.
Workers at Fenway Park currently earn under $20 per hour, which is approximately $10 less than the citywide standard for comparable jobs in Boston. They are seeking better wages reflective of the cost of living.
In addition, workers are opposing the push by Aramark to implement more automated ordering technologies at Fenway Park. They want to preserve the traditional personalized service experience, emphasizing human interaction over tablet or robot ordering systems.
The union president, Carlos Aramayo, stated that Aramark is trying to pay bottom dollar and is not willing to deal with technology issues, which he believes undermines the quality of Fenway Park.
The labor stoppage, which marked the first in Fenway Park's 113-year history, happened during the Red Sox weekend series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in late July 2025. Aramark stated they bargained in good faith and expressed disappointment over the strike, but have contingency plans to maintain fan services.
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) criticized Red Sox owner John Henry for paying workers less than comparable earners in the area in an X post on Monday. Union officials also sent a letter to John Henry, stating that the concession workers' strike is not just a labor issue, but a community issue.
It is important to note that the Boston Red Sox organization is not a party in these negotiations, as the dispute is strictly between Aramark and UNITE HERE Local 26. The Red Sox are currently on the road against the Minnesota Twins but return for a six-game homestand on Friday.
The concession workers at Fenway Park include cooks, barbacks, souvenir vendors, utility workers, cashiers, and others who work at the ballpark and the nearby music venue. The union represents these staff members.
The future remains uncertain as the union's bargaining committee will decide if the strike will resume. Fans can expect the workers to return for the next home game on Friday, August 1, 2025.
- Despite the end of the concession workers' strike at Fenway Park, there is still uncertainty about whether it will resume, as the union's bargaining committee is set to decide in the coming days.
- Workers at Fenway Park, who are seeking better wages and preserving traditional personalized service experience, have expressed opposition to Aramark's push for more automated ordering technologies in baseball's Major League (MLB).
