Food and beverage workers at Barclays Center have reached a tentative agreement with their employer, Levy and have averted their planned strike authorization vote. The tentative agreement will deliver wage increases, expanded access to health insurance, and investment in training facilities and programs.
Union membership will vote to ratify the agreement in the coming days. If ratified, Levy workers will receive raises between $5-$11.20 an hour. By the end of the contract, the lowest-paid worker will earn a wage of $25 an hour.
“Levy saw that our members were serious about what they were fighting for. We got the things we needed at the bargaining table: real raises, a way for more of our members to get health insurance from Levy, and a lot more. Once again, this contract builds on the high standard Local 100 has set for stadium workers in New York and New Jersey,” said UNITE HERE Local 100 President José Maldonado.
Under this tentative agreement, more Levy workers at Barclays will qualify for health insurance. In addition, concessions workers will now be able to receive tips. Workers also won additional employer contributions to their pension, a new 401k with an employer match and the ability to work at other Levy-operated properties. The contract will be in effect until 2027.
“I’m so happy about this tentative agreement. It will raise the standards for us in all classifications at Barclays. I’ll actually have health insurance through the job I’ve worked since day one!” said Lashawn Saunders, a Levy concessions stand lead at Barclays Center.
Levy workers at Barclays Center are members of UNITE HERE Local 100, New York City’s largest food workers union. UNITE HERE Local 100 also represents food and beverage workers at Madison Square Garden, among other New York and New Jersey stadiums and arenas.
