Aramark Workers Plan Protest at Phoenix Convention Center During Final Four

Food service employees demand fair contract as labor dispute escalates

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:05am

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting a large crowd of protesters outside a convention center, their movements and energy captured through expressive brushstrokes.Aramark workers escalate their labor dispute with a spirited protest outside the Phoenix Convention Center during the NCAA Final Four festivities.Phoenix Today

Aramark food service workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 11 are planning to protest outside the Phoenix Convention Center on Friday during the women's NCAA Final Four events. The workers, including dishwashers, cooks, bartenders, and servers, are demanding a fair contract as their collective bargaining agreement with Aramark expired in December 2025.

Why it matters

The NCAA Final Four is a major revenue-generating sports event, and the workers at the convention center serve tens of thousands of visitors every year. The protest is an attempt by the workers to draw attention to their ongoing labor dispute with Aramark and pressure the city, which owns the convention center and contracts with Aramark for food and catering services.

The details

The protest will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, coinciding with fan events like Tourney Town and Four It All Fest. The workers will be distributing leaflets to attendees, advising them to call the city about the dispute. When Phoenix last hosted the men's Final Four in 2024, the event generated $429 million in economic impact.

  • The workers' collective bargaining agreement with Aramark expired on December 1, 2025.
  • The protest will take place on Friday, April 4, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The players

UNITE HERE Local 11

The labor union representing the Aramark food service workers at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Aramark

The company that provides food and catering services at the Phoenix Convention Center under contract with the city.

Phoenix Convention Center

The venue owned by the city of Phoenix that is hosting the women's NCAA Final Four events.

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What’s next

The workers plan to continue their protest and negotiations with Aramark in the coming weeks to secure a fair contract.

The takeaway

This protest highlights the ongoing labor disputes between service workers and major event venues, as workers seek better pay and working conditions while venues aim to maximize profits during high-profile events. The outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for how workers are treated at future NCAA Final Four and other major sporting events.