Overview
- The union representing more than 200 maintenance employees is casting ballots over three days this week following Thursday's rejection of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts' "last, best, and final" contract offer.
- The workers include ride mechanics, electricians, plumbers, welders, HVAC technicians, carpenters, painters, machinists, sign artists, central-plant operators, garage mechanics, laborers, and utilities technicians who keep daily operations safe.
- A strike authorization could delay the May 21 switch to seven-day operations, push back The Boardwalk water park opening on May 23, and disrupt the May 16 Nate Bargatze show as contractors are expected to honor picket lines.
- Hershey Entertainment & Resorts has not issued a public statement on the vote or how it would run the park during a work stoppage.
- Talks continued under a 60-day extension agreed in mid-March, and workers say they need wage increases, higher shift premiums, and more affordable healthcare.