A potential strike by more than 200 unionized maintenance workers may keep Hersheypark from opening for the summer season on time.
Workers at the Pennsylvania park, The Hotel Hershey and the Giant Center rejected what Hershey Entertainment & Resorts described as its “last, best, and final” contract offer on Thursday after months of negotiations, according to union officials.
News of the labor impasse was first reported by the Disney-centric site Inside the Magic.
The stalemate sets the stage for a union vote authorizing a three-day strike this week that could impact operations across the sprawling resort complex — days ahead of the scheduled May 21 start of the summer season.
Pennsylvania’s biggest amusement park has been preparing to transition from weekend-only operations to a seven-day-a-week schedule ahead of the busy Memorial Day holiday rush.
Hersheypark insisted it would open on time.
“We are focused on delivering the experience our guests expect, and we look forward to welcoming them,” the park told The Post in a statement.
“We continue to engage in contract negotiations with” the union, it added. “We are not going to speculate on outcomes, but we can confirm that our opening plans are proceeding on schedule.
“Our focus remains on reaching agreements through the bargaining process rather than negotiating publicly.”
The Hersheypark’sBboardwalk, a water park, is slated to open May 23.
The workers involved in the dispute include ride mechanics, electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, welders, painters, machinists, sign artists and other skilled maintenance staff responsible for keeping rides and facilities operational across the resort properties, according to Inside the Magic.
Union workers say they are seeking better wage increases, improved shift premiums and more affordable health care coverage after what they described as deteriorating working conditions and benefits over recent years.
The union has also vowed to reject any agreement it believes could weaken standards for skilled trades workers or lower wages for future maintenance employees.
Negotiations between Hershey Entertainment & Resorts and the union began earlier this year. In March, both sides agreed to extend the previous labor contract for 60 days while bargaining continued.
The company’s latest proposal was its third offer during negotiations.
In addition to possible delays to the park’s full reopening schedule, attractions and guest facilities could face closures or limited availability due to reduced maintenance staffing.
The labor unrest could also spill over into entertainment events at the Hershey, Pa., Giant Center, where comedian Nate Bargatze is scheduled to perform May 16.
Union contractors who help operate and set up events at the arena may refuse to cross picket lines if a strike breaks out.
The dispute comes as Hersheypark pushes ahead with major investments, including the recent opening of the Hershey Inn & Suites hotel and new additions at its Boardwalk water park.
The park has faced heightened scrutiny over operations in the past year following a fatal drowning at its wave pool in 2025 and a separate incident involving a child who accessed a restricted monorail track area.
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts has not publicly commented on the potential strike or outlined contingency plans if workers walk off the job.
Union officials are expected to announce the results of the strike vote later this week.
The Post has sought comment from Hersheypark and the union.
