Worlds of Fun Maintenance Workers Vote to Authorize Strike After Months of Negotiations with No Contract Agreement

Despite Record Profits, Cedar Fair/Six Flags Management Rejected Union Proposals that Addressed Understaffing and Maintenance Issues at Local Park

KANSAS CITY, MO — Today, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1 maintenance working people who ensure guest satisfaction and safety at Worlds of Fun, Oceans of Fun, and Worlds of Fun Village voted to authorize a strike after months of unsuccessful contract negotiations — and accusations of multiple violations of federal labor law by Worlds of Fun management. Worlds of Fun is owned by Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, which merged with Cedar Fair L.P. in July. 

This YES vote confirmed Local 1 members’ willingness to go on strike in the future if the bargaining committee decides it is necessary due to management’s refusal to offer a fair contract. The contract, which expired on February 29, 2024, impacts the Maintenance workers who build, maintain, repair and conduct the daily inspections of the roller coasters, flat rides, and other facilities at the Kansas City amusement park.

Local 1 members have met with management over three dozen times in an effort to come to a fair contract agreement that addresses understaffing issues. Outstanding unresolved issues also include demands from Six Flags that Local 1 workers allow their work to be subcontracted out to non-union workers, changes to job duties – including a demand that ride mechanics engage in electrician job duties and that electricians engage in ride control job duties despite a lack of cross-training in those other skilled trades – and that the Union reduce the scope of their work, including removing some jobs duties and some entire positions from the Union and allowing them to be performed by non-Union workers.

Local 1 members have filed charges against the multi-billion dollar company for alleged violations of federal labor law, including bad faith bargaining and regressive bargaining on retroactive pay, which was tentatively agreed to in February, but management is now backtracking on.

Over the last two years, Maintenance workers have reported their concerns to management, which they believe has led to the many issues that guests, the parks, and themselves have faced this season, such as the increase in mid-ride stops and ride closures. According to the workers who repair and maintain these rides, many of the issues are caused by worker understaffing as well as what they say is a refusal to order parts in time, despite record profits. Local 1 workers believe that their proposals, including the installation of crosswalks and road signs in the busy parking lots, as well as shade structures and misters outside of the most popular rides, will improve guest satisfaction and increase health and safety for workers and guests at Worlds of Fun.

“My colleagues and I are fighting for a contract that is fair for every single Maintenance worker at the park and will positively impact the guest experience,” said Worlds of Fun Lead Carpenter Kyle Wedlock. “During the 2024 season, the park and guests experienced multiple issues that would’ve been less likely to happen if the park was properly staffed. We are trying to handle these issues at the bargaining table, but if that isn’t enough, we are ready for direct action.”

“I grew up coming to the Worlds of Fun, and I love that my children are growing up the same way,” said Worlds of Fun Painter Gary Sellars, who has worked in the Maintenance Department for around 5 years. “It’s unfortunate that management refuses to offer fair wages, even though they can clearly afford it, because not only are we affected, but so are the guests of the park. We want to come to an agreement as soon as possible, but if we can’t, we’ll have to act accordingly.”

“Local 1 members have bargained tirelessly for almost a year to come to an agreement that gives workers the pay, benefits, and respect they deserve, while also adamantly fighting for proposals that will give guests the experience they deserve,” said Chris Rak, SEIU Local 1 Director for Missouri and Southern Illinois. “We’ve met with management at numerous bargaining sessions and they have clearly stated that they can afford what Local 1 members are asking for, and that their refusal to agree is ‘just a business decision’ and ‘not personal’ to them. It is Local 1’s hope that we can come to an agreement, but members have spoken loud and clear about what will happen if we don’t.”

Local 1 members will hold a rally and press conference at 2:45 PM on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024 at the entrance to Worlds of Fun – 4545 Worlds of Fun Ave., Kansas City, MO 64161 –  to share their concerns and discuss the possibility of a strike pending ongoing contract negotiations.