After U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy falsely accused John Henry of underpaying concession workers at Fenway Park, Red Sox Nation is correcting the record.
Hello, @RedSox According to the Connecticut Democrat’s social media post on Monday night, “I’m a diehard fan,” but it’s disgusting that your owner, John Henry, doubled his wealth to $5.5 billion in just 5 years while paying many of your employees $10 per hour less than comparable earnings in the area.
Following the first strike in the 113-year history of the ballpark, which occurred during the weekend series between the Red Sox and Dodgers at Fenway, Murphy shared his feelings on social media.
The company that Unite Here Local 26 concession workers are negotiating a contract with, Aramark, is not owned by Henry.
Murphy was swiftly criticized by a large number of Red Sox supporters and even NESN color analyst Lou Merloni for his unfounded criticism of Henry, the major owner and co-founder of Fenway Sports Group.
You are a senator. Not a Sports Radio caller, Merloni said on X Tuesday morning in reaction to Murphy’s tweet. Before coming across as ignorant, do some homework.
The Red Sox, Liverpool FC, Pittsburgh Penguins, NESN, and other teams are part of Fenway Sports Group’s extensive portfolio, but Aramark is not.
Before taking to the picket line last Friday, hours before the Red Sox began their series against the Dodgers, workers at Fenway Park and MGM Music Hall voted by 95% to allow a strike in June. Cashiers, cooks, bartenders, souvenir sellers, utilities workers, and other employees at the park and nearby concert venue are all represented by Local 26.
The strike might continue as the Red Sox travel to Minnesota before playing the Astros at home on Friday in a weekend series.
If I’m not mistaken, podcaster Ed Hand responded to Murphy’s statement on X, but these are Aramark employees, not Red Sox, aren’t they?
In response to Hand, Mike Antonellis, the radio and television broadcaster for the Worcester Red Sox, stated, “I’m pretty sure (Murphy) knows that.” He’s spouting ridiculous things to get attention, which is what most people on this site do. His best tweet will be that one.
Last week, Local 26 sent Henry a letter that largely stated: “It’s about whether the people who serve the hot dogs, pour the beer, and welcome the fans can afford to keep living in the city we love.” This letter is an invitation for Henry to step in and help negotiate a contract with Aramark.
Following the expiration of its contract at the end of 2024, the union is requesting improved compensation and working conditions. Fans have been advised by striking employees not to purchase food while at games.
The Red Sox indicated in a statement last week that they are still keeping a close eye on the continuing labor talks between Aramark and the union that represents its workers. Although the Red Sox are not involved in these talks, we hope that a just solution may be reached as soon as possible.
