2
Credit: HersheyparkTensions are rising as The Sweetest Place on Earth prepares to open for its 2026 summer season. Hersheypark is scheduled to open seven days a week starting May 21, but a union strike vote scheduled for this week could delay operations at the largest theme park in Pennsylvania.
Hersheypark Union Workers Reject Final Offer From Employer
On Thursday, May 7, at 4:00 p.m., over 200 union maintenance employees at Hersheypark, The Hotel Hershey, and Giant Center rejected what Hershey Entertainment & Resorts called its “last, best, and final” contract offer. This was the third offer from the Pennsylvania theme park after negotiations that began earlier this year. In mid-March, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts and the union agreed to extend the former contract for 60 days to allow for continued negotiations.
Over a three-day period this week, union maintenance employees will vote on whether to strike in response to the rejected final contract offer. These employees include skilled tradespeople across Hersheypark, The Hotel Hershey, and Giant Center concert venue, including carpenters, HVAC technicians, ride mechanics, electricians, plumbers, welders, painters, machinists, sign artists, laborers, central plant operators, garage auto mechanics, and utilities technicians–all critical positions as the Pennsylvania vacation destination prepares to shift from weekend-only operations to seven days a week, beginning May 21.
Although Hersheypark has long been a favorite employer in South-Central Pennsylvania, maintenance employees say conditions and benefits have degraded over the last few years. They’re seeking fair wage increases, higher pay premiums for less-desirable shifts, and more affordable healthcare plans. The union has said it will reject any new contract offers that devalue skilled trades, lower professional standards, or open the door for Hersheypark to lower wages for maintenance roles in the future.
How Could A Strike Impact the Pennsylvania Theme Park?
Hersheypark is currently open only on weekends as it prepares for the summer 2026 season. The Boardwalk water park is scheduled to open on May 23, and the Pennsylvania resort just debuted its newest hotel: the Hershey Inn & Suites.
Welcome inside the all-new Hershey Inn & Suites, opening May 1 👀
Who’s ready to wake up in The Sweetest Place On Earth?🍫
View this post on Instagram
In addition to a delayed summer opening, a strike could mean more attractions are closed, or guest facilities are inoperational due to a reduced maintenance team.
The next performance at the Giant Center, Nate Bargatze, is scheduled for May 16, and many union contractors who help set up the venue are likely to refuse to cross the picket line if Hersheypark maintenance employees vote to strike.
The union will announce the results of the strike vote later this week. Hershey Entertainment & Resorts has not issued a statement regarding the potential maintenance worker strike.
Would a strike impact your plans to visit Hersheypark? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments.
