Bulls, Blackhawks games could be impacted by United Center workers’ strike

Hundreds of workers at Chicago’s United Center have voted overwhelmingly to approve a possible strike in the coming days as the NBA’s Bulls prepare to host the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night.

UNITE HERE Local 1, a labor union representing roughly 16,000 hospitality workers in northern Illinois, voted Tuesday to authorize the strike by a 98 percent-to-2 margin. The results of the vote were announced Tuesday as the Bulls fell to the visiting Los Angeles Clippers.

‘Following the Bulls game, hundreds of arena workers who work the food and beverage stands operated by concessions giant Compass Group and Levy Restaurants at The United Center voted in favor of authorizing a strike,’ a statement late Tuesday from the union read.

‘A strike could be called at any moment,’ the statement continued.

The stadium workers are not employed by the NBA’s Bulls or NHL’s Blackhawks, but rather the Compass Group-owned Levy Restaurants, a company that operates concessions at several sports venues across the country. A similar strike took place in Los Angeles over the summer, resulting in a $10-per-hour raise for Dodger Stadium workers as part of a new labor deal with Compass/Levy.

Concessions worker Jamie O’Neill poses for a portrait outside the United Center on Sunday

UNITE HERE Local 1, a labor union representing roughly 16,000 hospitality workers in northern Illinois, voted Tuesday to authorize the strike by a 98 percent-to-2 margin. The results of the vote were announced Tuesday as the Bulls fell to the visiting Los Angeles Clippers

The United Center workers authorities their strike after a study found that their wages failed to keep up with he cost of living, such as housing and food expenses.

Furthermore, the stadium workers have been without a new contract for three years, and are currently seeking affordable healthcare, raises, and improved benefits.

‘I voted yes to strike because my rent went up from $800 to $1250 and I have to work two or three jobs at a time to make ends meet,’ Latonya Kirkpatrick, who has worked in concessions at The United Center for eight season, told Chicago’s NBC affiliate.

‘Arena workers are the backbone of Chicago’s tourism and sports industry,’ Karen Kent, President of UNITE HERE Local 1, told NBC Chicago. ‘They make the experience for the fans memorable. Unfortunately Compass/Levy is not offering all of them the wages, healthcare and benefits they deserve. Workers are ready to do whatever it takes.’

The Bulls host the Hornets on Thursday, while the Blackhawks face off with the Anaheim Ducks at The United Center on Tuesday.

Spokespeople for Compass/Levy, the Blackhawks and the Bulls did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com’s request for comment.

Beer vendor Gary Kaplan and season ticket holder Scott Sevon point at the flag during Jim Cornelison’s rendition of the national anthem prior to a game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks on February 10, 2019, at the United Center