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More than 700 readers voted. Here’s why they say Fenway Park workers deserve ‘fair pay.’
Many readers are rallying behind workers, calling for 'fair pay' and better treatment.
Even as concession workers at Fenway Park brought their three-day strike to an end on Sunday night, fans are speaking out – many in support of the workers and their calls for better pay.
The workers, represented by Unite Here Local 26, went on strike on Friday, citing low pay, irregular scheduling, and concerns about being replaced by self-service kiosks and other automated systems. The union called for higher wages, better job security, and stronger health benefits for the seasonal workforce that serves food and beverages to thousands of Red Sox fans each year.
According to the union, a cashier at Fenway Park earns $18.52 an hour, in comparison to more competitive wages across the country, like at the Marlins Park in Miami, where cashiers make $21.25 an hour. Minimum wage is $15 in Massachusetts.
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The workers and Aramark, the company that provides food and beverages at the park, have yet to reach a new contract.
“We intend to keep working with the union toward a settlement that works for everyone. In the event of a strike, we have contingency plans in place to ensure that services are not interrupted,” the company’s spokesperson told Boston.com. As of Monday, it’s uncertain when negotiations will resume or if another strike is coming.
As fans are increasingly drawn into the dispute, many are making it clear where they stand.
When we asked Boston.com readers about the strike, we heard from more than 700 respondents – the majority (68%) of whom said they support the striking workers, while 22% said they support management.
What’s your take on the Fenway Park and MGM Music Hall concessions strike?
I support the union's/workers' demands
68%
I support the management's stance
22%
I don't have an opinion
6%
I'm unsure
4%
Reader Ben M. from Roxbury said he “would temporarily stop buying concessions at games,” a sentiment echoed by Katie from Quincy, who added, “I will not buy concessions and I will stand at the picket line in support.” Their actions are part of a broader grassroots effort to put economic pressure on management by reducing in-park sales.
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Others are taking a principled stand based on years of loyalty. “I have been a partial season ticket holder since 2003,” said Bill from Medford. “I will not purchase concessions during the strike.”
Jen W. from Southborough voiced frustration with the increasing presence of automation and self-service in food service, which she said gets rid of the humanity of the ballpark experience.
“I am not interested in the kinds of automated systems that are replacing humans,” she said, “especially in places like Fenway where the interactions with people are integral to the overall experience.”
But not all fans agree. Some side with management and the market-driven logic behind their decisions. Jim from Rhode Island argued concession workers should seek employment elsewhere if they are dissatisfied with the job: “It’s a free market. If you don’t like the wage, work elsewhere.”
As the Red Sox continue their season, the strike has added a layer of tension at the ballpark. While some fans are crossing picket lines and continuing with their game-day routines, others are making a conscious choice to show solidarity by avoiding concession stands altogether.
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Below, readers weigh in on the concession strike at Fenway Park and MGM Music Hall.
Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.
What’s your take on the Fenway Park and MGM Music Hall concessions strike?
I support the union’s/workers’ demands
“Fenway Park isn’t just a baseball park, it’s also a tourist attraction. The place is packed/sold out every night, these workers bust their butts. Pay them.” – Bill, Brighton
“I support the workers and their right to fair pay. I have no problem not buying concessions at a game or concert to show my support to the workers during this trying time.” – Jim C., Lunenburg
“It doesn’t matter how it impacts me. It is all about empathy, how it impacts workers. Corporations squeeze every drop of profit for investors, boards and themselves, often at the cost of the very people they depend upon to make those record profits. Power to the people.” – John G., Boston
“I attended the Sunday game with my son and am happy to report we did not purchase one single concession item over the course of the 4+ hours we were at Fenway. Unfortunately I saw many others who were eating and drinking as if there was nothing out of the ordinary. We did, however, give some encouraging words to the strikers that remained after the game, and I hope that sort of kindness helps to sustain them and their cause. When a company like Aramark sells one beer for roughly the same price they pay for one hour of work, something is seriously wrong if they can’t pay that worker a living wage when they sell hundreds of those beers in a single hour.” – Richard W., Howell, New Jersey
“The strike by Fenway Park and MGM Music Hall concession workers highlights a broader issue of wage equity in high-revenue entertainment venues. These workers are an essential part of the game-day and concert experience, yet often operate behind the scenes with minimal recognition. The fact that they’re walking out to demand better pay and benefits suggests systemic gaps that need addressing. Strikes like this aren’t just about money – they’re about dignity, sustainability, and being valued as part of the team. Supporting them sends a clear message that fair treatment should be the baseline, not the exception.” – Millie, Cape Cod
“I support the union workers and what they’re fighting for — they deserve better wages. … The concession worker interaction is definitely part of the experience of going to a ballpark. I [have] family members that work there, love their job, and they take pride in everything they do there. You will not get that from a machine. It’s sad that Aramark is willing to dampen the experience of the game goers and jeopardize the livelihood of people that depend on the paycheck they work hard for and support their families just so the upper echelon of Aramark can profit.” – Kevin R., Quincy
“I went to the Friday night game against the Dodgers and was proud not to buy anything inside the park! We ate before the game at a local restaurant, filled our refillable water bottles at the drinking fountain, and enjoyed the game (outcome aside). Labor wins lead to better conditions for everyone and I was glad to be able to do my small part to support Local 26.” – Hanne, Brighton
“Even though this is an issue between Aramark and its employees, it reflects on the Red Sox brand, and the team owners should step up and get it done. This is very influential on a guest’s experience, and, at the prices they charge, they should be doing everything they can to make that experience a good one.” – Lorian, Brighton
“People have to reach a breaking point before resorting to something as drastic as a strike. I have no doubt that the issues they’re striking over are valid and have likely been a problem for several years already.” – Christa W., Worcester
I support the management’s stance
“Businesses are in the business of making money. Aramark is a publicly traded company and has an obligation to its shareholders to make money. Businesses are not in the business of caring about your ability to pay your bills. Automation does not call in sick, show up late, steal, ask for a raise, or go on strike. Heartless? Yes. New? No.” – Thomas, Fenway
“There are many other opportunities available for service workers. Most modern day organized labor does not represent the true will or interest of its constituents, but the agenda of the few at the top. Vote with their feet and leave the organization if the total incentive is inadequate.” – Tim S., Boylston
“Demanding that automation can not happen is just a [non] starter. These people are trying to force their role as a middleman onto the customer and the business, so we can pay them more money to hand us a snack or a drink, and expect a 20% tip for it. It’s absurd!” – Thomas D., Brighton
“I will buy more concessions and hopefully this speeds up the inevitability of automation at Fenway. Already the most expensive venue in baseball if not all of professional sports. These additional costs will not be carried over to the customer.” – Mark S., Boston
Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.
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