Why 600+ Concessions Workers at TD Garden Might Strike

Concessions Workers at TD Garden might go on strike due to continuing contract negotiations with TD Garden Management.

According to Boston 25 News, the concessions workers are part of UFCW Local 1445 and have been in contract negotiations since July. Their current contract expired in August.

A UFCW Local 1445 spokesperson said in a statement, "Workers represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1445 are seeking higher commission rates, protection from automation and increased efforts by the company to minimize staffing levels, better safety protections, and strong retirement benefits."

Boston 25 News notes, "Despite operating as the sixth-most profitable arena in North America, the union says TD Garden Management has claimed that they can’t afford any increase to commission rates."

In a statement to Boston 25 News, TD Garden owners, Delaware North, said they are "fully committed to negotiating in good faith" with UFCW Local 1445 to "Concessions Workers at TD Garden might go on strike due to continuing contract negotiations with TD Garden Management.

The North Washington Street Bridge in Boston is being renamed to honor late Celtics legend and civil rights activist Bill Russell.

Per Boston.gov, the bridge's new name will be the William Felton "Bill" Russell Bridge. During a press conference today (October 21), the new bridge name was announced and featured Mayor Michelle Wu, Jeannine Russell, Governor Maura Healey, numerous state and local officials, and representatives from the Celtics organization, including Jaylen Brown. (The full press conference can be viewed below.)

In a statement, Mayor Wu said, "Bill Russell was a champion not only on the basketball court, but in his daily life fighting for equality and serving as a role model for future athletes and activists. It’s fitting that a man known for his vision and determination to create bridges to our future will now always be commemorated on the gateway into Downtown Boston. I’m grateful to Mrs. Jeannine Russell who worked with us to find the right way to memorialize his legacy, and all who helped create this tribute to a beloved Boston figure."

Russell's widow, Jeannine, said in her own statement, "This bridge, like Bill, stands strong and enduring. It connects people with purpose, just as he connected the struggles of the past with the hopes of the future. It symbolizes progress—moving us forward while reminding us of the foundations that hold us up. I am so pleased and grateful for all involved who made this day happen."