Everything We Know About Target Field Concession Workers' Strike

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of © Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Twins return home Monday for one of the marquee series on their 2026 schedule when the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers arrive at Target Field. Instead of the spotlight focusing solely on baseball, however, much of the attention could center on a labor dispute involving the stadium's concession workers.

More than 500 Target Field employees represented by UNITE HERE Local 17 have announced plans to stage a one day strike on June 22 as negotiations with concessions operator Delaware North continue. The dispute centers on wages, health care benefits, job protections, and the use of volunteer workers throughout the ballpark. If the strike proceeds as planned, union officials say it would be the first strike at a major league stadium in Minnesota history.

What We Know About Monday's Strike

The planned walkout involves approximately 500 workers employed by Delaware North, the company that operates food and beverage services throughout Target Field. The union represents workers across nearly every part of the stadium's concession operation, including cooks, bartenders, suite attendants, warehouse workers, dishwashers, stand workers, runners, and other hospitality staff.

The strike is scheduled for Monday's series opener against the Dodgers, one of the highest profile home games remaining on the Twins' schedule. The teams are also scheduled to play Tuesday and Wednesday.

Workers have been operating under an expired contract since January while negotiations continue. In May, union members voted 81% in favor of authorizing a strike if bargaining efforts failed to produce a new agreement. According to union leaders, the one day strike is designed to pressure Delaware North back to the negotiating table after months of stalled discussions.

"We've been in contract bargaining and the workers here have been committed to bargaining in good faith," said UNITE HERE Local 17 Secretary Treasurer Sheigh Freeberg. "Unfortunately, their employer, Delaware North Company, has not held to that same commitment."

Freeberg indicated the union could consider additional actions if negotiations remain stalled.

"We're keeping open the possibility of striking more games or an open ended strike if Delaware North continues to not take this seriously," he said.

The Union's Position

Union leaders argue that many Target Field concession workers are struggling financially despite years of service at the ballpark. Workers say wages have failed to keep pace with rising costs, while many seasonal employees do not qualify for employer provided health insurance. Those concerns have become the central issues in negotiations.

"A cheeseburger costs more than what we get paid," said concessions stand lead Nariel Green. "All the prices go up, but our pay doesn't."

Suite bartender Adam Schreifels, who has worked at Target Field for a decade, pointed to health insurance as one of the primary reasons workers are willing to strike.

"One of the biggest issues is that they don't offer health insurance," Schreifels said. "Because you work seasonal at a lot of these places, you don't qualify."

Workers also emphasized that many employees view concession work as a long term profession rather than a temporary job.

"This is a real career," said suites department employee Missy Simon. "The majority of us are over the age of 40. This isn't a high school kid's career."

Warehouse worker Savion Johnson echoed similar frustrations while noting his appreciation for both the organization and the work.

"I love this. I love the Twins, one of my favorite teams," Johnson said. "A lot of people want to work, but we're out here struggling."

Following the strike announcement, the union said Delaware North improved its wage proposal, offering raises of 25 cents per hour for minimum wage employees and 60 cents per hour for other workers. Union representatives have indicated those increases still fall short of what workers are seeking.

The Debate Over Volunteers

One of the more public disagreements between the two sides involves Delaware North's use of nonprofit volunteer groups to help operate concession stands. Freeberg argues the practice reduces opportunities for paid employees and undermines the value of skilled hospitality work.

"The practice also devalues the skilled work food and beverage workers do," Freeberg said. "Philanthropy does not have to come at the expense of the workers who help fans enjoy every game."

The issue became a focal point of Delaware North's response following the strike announcement.

Delaware North's Position

Delaware North has pushed back against several of the union's claims while maintaining that fans should expect normal concession operations during Monday's game.

After union leaders encouraged fans to bring their own food and beverages, warning that food may not be available for purchase, Delaware North disputed that characterization.

"It is our full intention that we will continue full service concessions at Target Field should there be a strike," the company said in a statement.

The company also criticized the union's position regarding nonprofit volunteer groups that use concession work as a fundraising opportunity.

"If Unite Here's greed insists on displacing nonprofit fundraising, we believe the community will be deeply impacted," Delaware North said. "The decades long partnerships we have with community groups that depend on concessions at Target Field for fundraising is something that reflects the values of the fans and residents of Minnesota."

The company has not publicly provided additional details regarding ongoing negotiations.

What Happens Next?

As of this writing, the Twins have not publicly commented on the labor dispute.

Because Delaware North operates concessions at Target Field, the negotiations are taking place between the company and the union rather than directly with the Twins organization. However, any disruption during a high attendance series against the Dodgers would inevitably place additional attention on the club and the fan experience at the ballpark.

The biggest question remains how Monday's game day operations will be affected if hundreds of workers leave their posts. Union leaders have warned fans to prepare for limited food service and have encouraged attendees to bring their own food and drinks. Delaware North insists concessions will continue operating normally.

For now, both sides remain far apart publicly, even as negotiations continue. The timing of the strike announcement ensures maximum visibility, coming during one of the Twins' most anticipated home series of the season.

Whether Monday becomes a one day labor action or the beginning of a larger dispute may depend on what happens at the bargaining table over the next several days. What is clear is that a disagreement that has simmered since the expiration of the contract in January has now become one of the biggest off field stories surrounding the Twins this season.

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[Western SD Fan]

Great article Cody!  This is always a subject that can bring on some policial views.  You covered it with straight reporting, describe the impact it can have to the potential fan experience at Target Field going forward, and give what each party is stating in public and what they are looking to get out of negotiations.

[offensive_loons_fan]

If Delaware can operate tonight without interruption with 500 fewer employees, then the Twins need to turn around and ask why they have been operating with that much unnecessary overhead, and should be paying Delaware a fraction of whatever their contract is currently at.

Of course I don't think they actually will operate without interruption. I'm imagining fewer vendors and very long lines. Also definitely not advocating for an outcome that would displace any concession workers.

Mostly just saying that Delaware kind of shoots itself in the foot by stating they are going to operate just like usual. No win situation for them in saying that.

[amjgt]

Cody dropping a "vociferous" on us knuckle draggers!

[bean5302]

8 minutes ago, offensive_loons_fan said:

If Delaware can operate tonight without interruption with 500 fewer employees, then the Twins need to turn around and ask why they have been operating with that much unnecessary overhead, and should be paying Delaware a fraction of whatever their contract is currently at.

Of course I don't think they actually will operate without interruption. I'm imagining fewer vendors and very long lines. Also definitely not advocating for an outcome that would displace any concession workers.

Mostly just saying that Delaware kind of shoots itself in the foot by stating they are going to operate just like usual. No win situation for them in saying that.

Delaware North brought in temps, etc. At least according to them. Another reason is the terrible attendance resulting a ton of early cuts.

[DJL44]

I had to work a volunteer shift at a gophers game once. Our organization made about as much money per person as it cost me for parking and a babysitter for my kids. We opted to just pay $100 per participant the next year to get our Saturdays back.

I hope the Target Field charities are actually real. San Diego had a minor scandal with fake charities running concessions.

[BillyBallLives]

Question: Article doesn't mention "Vendors"...the  workers walking around the park in the stand.
Are they included?  If not, Twins have a resource that will prosper and vendor will have great sales.

"nearly every" also seems to indicate vendors are not included.

The union represents workers across nearly every part of the stadium's concession operation, including cooks, bartenders, suite attendants, warehouse workers, dishwashers, stand workers, runners, and other hospitality staff.

[bean5302]

For some background, the bartenders originally voted to unionize. There have been some mixed results which you'd expect from unions. Like tenure over merit where you can suck, but you're going to get the handful of good spots. I noticed this when my favorite concessions worker from the past several years was non-existent this year. They'd seemingly been replaced by less engaging team members. What a bummer. Also have a friend who works as a bartender at Target Field and has for years. They've also gotten the shaft in terms of assignments and cuts.

That said, the real back-breaker for the bartenders (assuming for concessions staff too) is the happy hour and the POS systems with default tips. I've talked about this before, but defaulting to 18-20-22% or whatever when everything goes on a $2 happy hour absolutely destroyed concessions income. Beers were $2, people were getting 2-3 before the game and then they're done. Tipping $0.40 vs. tipping $3.00 is a killer.

The lousy attendance and semi-automated check out hurts, too. I'm not embarrassed to say that I do not tip when I have to check myself out. That said, somebody has to pay the concessions worker to stand there and help every other customer because the POS system sucks eggs. The number of concessions workers who still need to be present because the kiosks are junk results in limited staffing savings. That said, attendance is sooooooooo bad half the venues or more routinely shut down by the 7th inning or never open in the first place. I guess the semi-automated kiosks are the only way to keep options available later.

I also hate the whole predatory, charitable non-profit worker scenario. Those workers rarely know what they're doing so the fan experience is pretty miserable. If Delaware North, or whomever, wants to donate to charity, just do it. Don't make profits off donations. It's gross.

Of course people want health insurance. It costs $80 bajillion dollars for health care in the United States so health insurance costs $82 bajillion. The cost of health care, and the underlying reasons it's so outrageously expensive need to be addressed. 

[Western SD Fan]

I have an odd question for the people who live in MN and go to multiple games from all of the sports.  Does Delaware North handle all of the venues, or just Target Field?

[Linus]

Good info on the situation. 

[Parfigliano]

48 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

For some background, the bartenders originally voted to unionize. There have been some mixed results which you'd expect from unions. Like tenure over merit where you can suck, but you're going to get the handful of good spots. I noticed this when my favorite concessions worker from the past several years was non-existent this year. They'd seemingly been replaced by less engaging team members. What a bummer. Also have a friend who works as a bartender at Target Field and has for years. They've also gotten the shaft in terms of assignments and cuts.

That said, the real back-breaker for the bartenders (assuming for concessions staff too) is the happy hour and the POS systems with default tips. I've talked about this before, but defaulting to 18-20-22% or whatever when everything goes on a $2 happy hour absolutely destroyed concessions income. Beers were $2, people were getting 2-3 before the game and then they're done. Tipping $0.40 vs. tipping $3.00 is a killer.

The lousy attendance and semi-automated check out hurts, too. I'm not embarrassed to say that I do not tip when I have to check myself out. That said, somebody has to pay the concessions worker to stand there and help every other customer because the POS system sucks eggs. The number of concessions workers who still need to be present because the kiosks are junk results in limited staffing savings. That said, attendance is sooooooooo bad half the venues or more routinely shut down by the 7th inning or never open in the first place. I guess the semi-automated kiosks are the only way to keep options available later.

I also hate the whole predatory, charitable non-profit worker scenario. Those workers rarely know what they're doing so the fan experience is pretty miserable. If Delaware North, or whomever, wants to donate to charity, just do it. Don't make profits off donations. It's gross.

Of course people want health insurance. It costs $80 bajillion dollars for health care in the United States so health insurance costs $82 bajillion. The cost of health care, and the underlying reasons it's so outrageously expensive need to be addressed. 

If it costs $80 bazillion for health care I'm pretty sure insurance is billing at least $96 bazillion.

[Mike Sixel]

The players and thousands of fans will cross the picket lines.....

[Woof Bronzer]

2 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

The players and thousands of fans will cross the picket lines.....

Very interesting when one of those groups is quite famously also represented by a union, which also just happens to be in the midst of its own labor negotiations.  

[bean5302]

16 minutes ago, Parfigliano said:

If it costs $80 bazillion for health care I'm pretty sure insurance is billing at least $96 bazillion.

Heath insurance has some of the worst profitability of any major industry in the United States. Most carriers profit between 4-5% or so. Don't get me wrong, there's some SERIOUS BS involved in how they go about their process, but it's a very thin profit margin industry. That's why most carriers got out of it. Almost none of the once big insurance carriers still do the health insurance things. The exodus started in the early 2000s.

The source of the cost of health care is the staff making 2-4x what their peers in other countries make, and drug companies, malpratice costs, and administrative/processing, TBH. Of course, doctors and nurses have to make 2-4x what their peers make because of the astronomical cost of secondary education, etc.

It's a complex issue full of waste and corruption.

[bean5302]

59 minutes ago, Western SD Fan said:

I have an odd question for the people who live in MN and go to multiple games from all of the sports.  Does Delaware North handle all of the venues, or just Target Field?

Target Field = Delaware North
Target Center = Levy Restaurants
Grand Casino Arena (Xcel Energy Center) = Levy Restaurants
US Bank Stadium = Aramark
Allianz Field = Delaware North

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, bean5302 said:

That said, the real back-breaker for the bartenders (assuming for concessions staff too) is the happy hour and the POS systems with default tips. I've talked about this before, but defaulting to 18-20-22% or whatever when everything goes on a $2 happy hour absolutely destroyed concessions income. Beers were $2, people were getting 2-3 before the game and then they're done. Tipping $0.40 vs. tipping $3.00 is a killer.

Were these $2 beers $15 before? I bought a $2 beer at the Saints game that came in a Dixie cup. Do they normally charge $15 for an eight-ounce beer?

[bean5302]

19 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Were these $2 beers $15 before? I bought a $2 beer at the Saints game that came in a Dixie cup. Do they normally charge $15 for an eight-ounce beer?

Every Friday just a few different types. Doesn't matter. $2 for a Summit Twins Pils vs $15 for a Summit EPA draft. What do you think people will buy? LOL

https://www.mlb.com/twins/tickets/promotions/fridays

[Vanimal46]

33 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Every Friday just a few different types. Doesn't matter. $2 for a Summit Twins Pils vs $15 for a Summit EPA draft. What do you think people will buy? LOL

https://www.mlb.com/twins/tickets/promotions/fridays

$2 beer on Saturday too. 

[DJL44]

44 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Every Friday just a few different types. Doesn't matter. $2 for a Summit Twins Pils vs $15 for a Summit EPA draft. What do you think people will buy? LOL

https://www.mlb.com/twins/tickets/promotions/fridays

If you’re charging $15 for a Summit I will purchase zero beers. I don’t know how they sell any.

[Vanimal46]

19 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

If you’re charging $15 for a Summit I will purchase zero beers. I don’t know how they sell any.

I mean, that’s been the going rate for a 16 oz specialty beer at every major event or concert for 10 years or more. 

I’ve gone to 2 Saturday games so far, bought 2 or 3 $2 beers and chilled the rest of the game. If I go to the game tomorrow or Wednesday, I’ll skip the beer. Or pregame before and uber to the stadium. 

[Mike Sixel]

2 hours ago, Woof Bronzer said:

Very interesting when one of those groups is quite famously also represented by a union, which also just happens to be in the midst of its own labor negotiations.  

Yup. Sad. 

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, Vanimal46 said:

I mean, that’s been the going rate for a 16 oz specialty beer at every major event or concert for 10 years or more. 

I’ve gone to 2 Saturday games so far, bought 2 or 3 $2 beers and chilled the rest of the game. If I go to the game tomorrow or Wednesday, I’ll skip the beer. Or pregame before and uber to the stadium. 

That probably explains why I never end up drinking at concerts or sporting events.

The Saints Thursday night $2 promo is eight ounces of Michelob Light.

[DJL44]

Any reports from the game?

[jmlease1]

19 hours ago, DJL44 said:

I had to work a volunteer shift at a gophers game once. Our organization made about as much money per person as it cost me for parking and a babysitter for my kids. We opted to just pay $100 per participant the next year to get our Saturdays back.

I hope the Target Field charities are actually real. San Diego had a minor scandal with fake charities running concessions.

This. these volunteer charity deals are great business for the company (they save on wages & sometimes benefits while getting a charitable write-off) and don't actually raise all that much for the charity...but the non-profits that do this are usually small, don't have a professional fundraising operation, and have a limited audience to raise from (frequently you see school/sports groups doing this) so they don't see a lot of good options. But it eats up a lot of volunteer time and it's real work. It's framed up nicely by companies like Delaware North (and the Twins go along with it) but it's not really a very good deal for the charity and not very charitable by the company.

Not a surprise Delaware North would focus on this and call the union "greedy"; they don't have a lot else to stand on so they're trying to get people mad at the workers.

I'm with the union. Never trust corporates when they whine like this, until they open their books to a forensic accountant.

[bean5302]

16 hours ago, DJL44 said:

That probably explains why I never end up drinking at concerts or sporting events.

The Saints Thursday night $2 promo is eight ounces of Michelob Light.

There's a cheat code. Cans of Summit Twins Pils are $5.99 all the time, I think? Same with Bud and Bud Light. They're available at several locations in the stadium.

That said, stadium prices are raising eyebrows from international travelers. Being absolutely gouged at games has become commonplace in the US. Target Field beer prices have been on the lower end of MLB for a few seasons. Not sure about now with the extra gouge happening.

[Parfigliano]

8 hours ago, bean5302 said:

There's a cheat code. Cans of Summit Twins Pils are $5.99 all the time, I think? Same with Bud and Bud Light. They're available at several locations in the stadium.

That said, stadium prices are raising eyebrows from international travelers. Being absolutely gouged at games has become commonplace in the US. Target Field beer prices have been on the lower end of MLB for a few seasons. Not sure about now with the extra gouge happening.

Same gouging goes on at NFL games in Europe.  We went to Vikes--Saints in London in 2022.  Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but US Bank prices.