Concession workers at the United Center have reached a tentative agreement with their employer, Chicago-based food service provider Levy, and will remain on the job for the time being.
Negotiations between Levy and the workers’ union, Unite Here Local 1, produced a tentative deal after a weekend bargaining session, both parties said Sunday.
The approximately 650 food service employees, whose number include concession workers as well as bartenders, dishwashers and food preparation workers, will decide whether to ratify the agreement in a vote tentatively scheduled for Friday, said Unite Here Local 1 organizing director Dan Abraham.
“No work stoppage will occur pending the outcome of the membership vote,” Unite Here said in a statement.
Levy acknowledged reaching a deal in its own statement Sunday, saying it would avert “a potential strike during upcoming events.”
Levy employees at the United Center struck for one day during a Chicago Bulls home game on March 5, before the Big Ten men’s basketball tournament was set to take place at the United Center. Concession workers had authorized a strike with a 98% vote in January.
Levy employees at the United Center previously told the Tribune that access to health insurance was a key concern, describing a system in which many workers did not receive coverage at all and others received it only sporadically. They also said they were seeking higher wages.
Representatives for both Levy and Unite Here declined to comment on the specifics of the deal Monday.
Levy previously said it had “enhanced” its health care offer by lowering the number of hours required to qualify for insurance. The company has also said it offered workers raises of between $4 and $6 an hour.
