Hersheypark may not be openingfor summer season on time

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 b...