Fenway Park concession workers go on strike before Red Sox' weekend games

Concession workers at Boston’s Fenway Park and nearby MGM Music Hall have begun a strike, with no last-minute deal reached in their negotiations with Aramark

Concession workers at Boston’s Fenway Park and nearby MGM Music Hall have begun a strike, with no last-minute deal reached in their negotiations with Aramark.

UNITE HERE Local 26 had set a noon deadline for an agreement in their contract negotiations. Picket lines are due to be up during the Red Sox’ game against the reigning MLB champion Los Angeles Dodgers Friday night.

The game will still be on, if storms don’t postpone it following an extremely hot day in Boston, but the union is asking fans who go to avoid buying concessions. The strike is planned through Sunday’s game.

Concession workers outside Fenway Park ahead of a Red Sox baseball game in Boston, on Friday, July 25, 2025.Cassandra Klos / Bloomberg via Getty ImagesWorkers are asking for a higher salary, increased tips for premium workers, scheduling that respects workers’ seniority and guardrails on automation. These have been their demands for about the last seven months, which is when their previous contract with the food and beverage company ended.

Aramark said Friday it’s been bargaining in good faith and disappointed that the union chose to strike.