A strike could be called by the negotiating committee if an agreement isn’t reached by October 31st

TAMPA, FL – Airport concession workers employed by Delaware North who are members of UNITE HERE Local 362 have voted unanimously to authorize a strike at the Tampa International Airport (TPA). Delaware North employs around 157 concession workers at the airport who are covered by a national agreement between Delaware North and UNITE HERE, which will expire on October 31st. Workers say they are fighting for free health insurance and significant wage increases so they don’t have to choose between paying the rent and putting food on the table.  

Download photos and videos from the strike vote here.

“I love working at the airport, and my coworkers and I work really hard. I voted yes to strike today because for many of us, our wages aren’t enough for us to survive. Tampa is getting more expensive every day. We’re calling on Delaware North to give us the raises and health care that we deserve,” said Charles Schumaecher, a server at The Cafe by Mise en Place at TPA.

In a recent UNITE HERE survey of one third of Delaware North’s unionized food service workers across the country, 50% reported being unable to afford rent, mortgage, or other housing costs. As the cost of rent continues to rise across the country, many Tampa workers are struggling to afford those costs. According to Fair Market Rent data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the cost of a 2-bedroom rental in Tampa increased by $718/month, between 2019 and 2023. The average wage for a Delaware North worker (non-tipped) in Tampa is currently $15.94/hour. According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, in a home with two working adults with two children in the Tampa metro area, each adult must earn $25.18 per hour working full-time.  

 Delaware North employs food service workers who are covered by contracts with UNITE HERE in 18 airports across the country. A majority of Delaware North workers at Minneapolis, Fort Lauderdale, and Austin airports voted to authorize a strike if one is called by the worker negotiating committee. More unionized Delaware North workers at airports across the country could soon be taking strike votes, as well. 

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UNITE HERE Local 362 represents Auto Plaza, Attractions, Custodial, Park Greeters, Slide Ops, and Vacation Planning Cast Members at Walt Disney World and Food Service workers in Central Florida and South Carolina.