More than 600 concession workers at Boston’s TD Garden considering a strike

BOSTON — More than 600 concession workers at Boston’s TD Garden are considering a strike after months of unsuccessful contract negotiations.

The workers at the home of the Celtics and Bruins are slated to meet Sunday to vote for a strike authorization, UFCW Local 1445 announced Wednesday.

Negotiations have been ongoing with TD Garden Management since early July and the workers’ contract expired in August, according to the union.

“Workers represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1445 are seeking higher commission rates, protection from automation and increased efforts by the company to minimize staffing levels, better safety protections, and strong retirement benefits,” a union spokesperson said in a statement.

Despite operating as the sixth-most profitable arena in North America, the union says TD Garden Management has claimed that they can’t afford any increase to commission rates.

“As the overall cost of living has increased across the Boston area, workers are seeking to achieve strong increases in commission rates to set a standard for the industry. They are also seeking protection from job losses as management seeks to introduce more and more Artificial Intelligence and other technology that could significantly reduce the workforce,” the union spokesperson added. “By coming together in strength and solidarity, they will send a message to management and show that they take maintaining and improving their livelihoods seriously.”

Boston 25 News has reached out to TD Garden Management for comment on the matter.

TD Garden attracts millions of visitors annually for various sporting events, concerts, and other performances.

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