On the eve of NFL Draft, Detroit arena workers push for 'the ability to thrive'

Detroit — On the eve of the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, workers on Wednesday highlighted their efforts toward preparing for the event and accommodating an expected 300,000 to 400,000 visitors over the next three days.

Arena workers, labor union leaders, community members and a city representative advocated for more investment for workers in the sports industry during a news conference at the Service Employees International Union Local 1 headquarters on East Jefferson Avenue.

"Arena workers from all races, backgrounds, and zip codes have been working hard for the past few weeks constructing, cleaning ... and will ensure there is high-quality food distribution for the NFL Draft," said Charrise Dale, an SEIU member who has worked at Ford Field for the last 17 years as an usher and ticket-taker. "These events do not come overnight; it is the hard work and dedication that arena workers put into these events.

"Arena workers are the backbone," Dale said. "It is time for the city of Detroit to invest in the Black and brown communities where arena workers reside to ensure working families have the ability to thrive not just survive."

Joseph Miller, a member of International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 38, said members of his union do set-up for shows at Detroit's three arenas: hanging speakers and heavy equipment.

"We're the ones that got there eight hours before they showed up to make sure that facility was spotless. After everybody goes home to bed, we're the ones freshening the place up for the next time," Miller of Detroit said.

"For decades we've fought for labor standards that allow up to provide incomes for ourselves and our families to try to build generational wealth so our children can afford to buy their houses too and stay in this great city," he said.

Porcha Perry, who works at Ford Field and as a housekeeper for Comerica Park, said she has to work multiple jobs to make ends meet and wants to see higher wages, stronger protection, and respect for arena workers.

"Arena workers are the foundation to the successful sporting event experience," Perry said. "As a single mother working three jobs, it has been challenging to spend time with my family, cherish the memories of my kids growing up. These challenges are affecting many single-parent arena workers, not just myself."

She's a member of SEIU Local 1, which includes 45,000 workers throughout the Midwest, like janitors, security officers, airport workers, higher education faculty and food service workers.

mjohnson@detroitnews.com

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