Days after Inside the Magic reported that the summer 2026 season at The Sweetest Place on Earth was at risk due to a potential union strike, Hersheypark issued an official statement about the ongoing employee negotiations. The news comes just one week before the largest theme park in Pennsylvania is scheduled to kick off its seven-day-a-week summer season.Union Negotiations at HersheyparkOne week ago, over 200 union maintenance employees at Hersheypark, The Hotel Hershey, and Giant Center rejected the “last, best, and final” contract offer from Hershey Entertainment & Resorts. This third contract offer came after months of negotiations; in mid-March, the company and Chocolate Workers Local No. 464 agreed to extend the previous contract for 60 days to allow for continued negotiations.Credit: HersheyparkThis week, the union held a vote among its members on whether to strike due to the failed contract negotiations. Maintenance employees are seeking fair wage increases, more affordable healthcare plans, and higher pay premiums for less-desirable shifts. They argue that benefits and working conditions at the long-favored employer have degraded over the last few years, and vow to reject any contract offer that lowers professional standards, devalues skilled trades, or opens the door for Hershey Entertainment & Resorts to lower maintenance employee wages in the future.Union members include skilled tradespeople across Hersheypark, The Hotel Hershey, and the 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. These positions are critical as Pennsylvania’s largest theme park prepares to open seven days a week starting May 21 (it is currently open only on weekends). The Boardwalk water park is scheduled to open for the summer on May 23.Credit: HersheyparkChocolate Workers Local No. 464 has not announced the results of its vote on a potential strike. A strike could be devastating for theme park operations, with a risk of more attraction and facility closures. Events at the Giant Center, including the May 16 Nate Bargatze show, could be at risk: other union contractors hired for stage set-up and other services are likely to refuse to cross the picket line if Hersheypark maintenance employees vote to strike.Hershey Entertainment & Resorts RespondsCredit: HersheyparkIn response to questions about the viability of the summer 2026 season and a potential employee strike, Hersheypark issued the following statement to ABC27:“Hersheypark is preparing to open for the 2026 summer season as scheduled on May 21. We are focused on delivering the experience our guests expect, and we look forward to welcoming them.We continue to engage in contract negotiations with Local 464, and we have been in discussions with union leadership about a time to reconvene for further discussion. We value our long standing relationship with our union-represented team members and remain committed to the bargaining process. We are not going to speculate on outcomes, but we can confirm that our opening plans are proceeding on schedule.We will communicate directly with our guests if anything changes.”Union member Todd Tranquillo told FOX43 that maintenance workers want to avoid a strike but also seek fair compensation that reflects Hershey Entertainment & Resorts’ recent financial success.Credit: Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company“The next step is to potentially strike. Nobody really wants to, but we’re hoping that they’ll come back to the table and give us a more amicable agreement,” he said. “…The company does really well. The town has been doing amazing. We’re constantly expanding and growing, and we want to make sure it’s going toward the betterment of everyone… We’re all ready to work hard. We just want to make sure we’re met with the same energy.”Hersheypark is also responding to fans concerned about the 2026 summer season. In response to several comments on the South-Central Pennsylvania vacation destination’s most recent Instagram post, a representative for Hershey Entertainment & Resorts wrote: “Hersheypark is planning to open on May 21 as scheduled, and we are preparing for a great summer season.”This weekend’s forecast looks Hersheypark is open for coaster thrills and family fun Friday through Sunday – see you soon! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hersheypark Amusement Park (@hersheypark)Hershey Entertainment & Resorts did not comment on the effects of a potential strike on events at the Giant Center or the Pennsylvania theme park’s annual haunt event, Dark Nights, which is scheduled to begin September 12, 2026.As of now, Hersheypark plans to open seven days a week starting May 21, 2026. The park will open for the weekend between Friday, May 15, and Sunday, May 17. The Boardwalk water park is scheduled to open for the summer on May 23. The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, and the Hershey Inn & Suites remain open.Credit: HersheyparkKeep up with Inside the Magic for updates on this developing story and theme park operations around the globe!What do you think about the ongoing union negotiations at Hersheypark? Share your opinion with Inside the Magic in the comments!The post Hersheypark Issues Statement on Potential Summer Closure appeared first on Inside the Magic.