Sep 12, 2025 - News

First Look: Striking vendors urge Henry to kill "beer robots" at Fenway

Mike Deehan

Protesters outside Fenway Park in green shirts holding baseball-shaped signs reading "Local 26 Strike" and a red banner saying "Enjoy the game. Don't buy food or drink." — Workers picket a game in July. Photo: Winslow Townson/Getty Images

The Fenway Park concession workers who've been striking over wage and automation disputes are taking their message straight to Boston sports fans — and possibly Red Sox ownership — with new ads on sports radio.

Why it matters: They've timed the ads to coincide with a series against the Yankees, and workers are threatening additional strikes if negotiations stall out.

State of play: Aramark concession workers want to pressure Red Sox principal owner John Henry to address wage concerns with the team's food and beverage contractor.

Driving the news: The ads feature worker testimonials criticizing the "beer robot" self-checkout kiosks they claim inadequately verify age.

The campaign will run through September on sports radio stations, directing fans to JohnHenryDotheRightThing.com.

What they're saying: "Beer robots are a bad idea. They can't check IDs and they definitely can't keep fans safe," longtime beerman Bob White says in one ad.

The other side: Aramark has said the kiosks improve service and wait times for fans.

Catch up quick: Unite Here Local 26 members launched a three-day strike in July during a Dodgers home stand.

Workers want better pay and less automation at Fenway.
Aramark has contingency plans to maintain vending services at the ballpark and say they're still working toward a settlement.

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First Look: Striking vendors urge Henry to kill "beer robots" at Fenway

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