Today at RFK Stadium, Mayor Muriel Bowser joined UNITE HERE Local 25, the union representing hotel and food service workers in Washington, DC, and the DC United soccer franchise to announce a labor peace agreement between Local 25 and the team.
The labor peace agreement provides a fair process for hotel and food service workers at the proposed stadium at Buzzard Point to join the union and negotiate a first contract. In return, the union agrees not to strike or picket at the stadium.
The agreement follows the team’s 2013 commitment to fair labor practices in the construction of the project, on the heels of the execution of a Project Labor Agreement.
John Boardman, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of Local 25, pointed out that the agreement helps address DC residents’ concerns over worsening income inequality in the District. He explained, “DC residents expect that hotel and restaurant workers should be treated fairly on the job. When you go to a game at the new stadium or stay at the new stadium hotel, you’re going to be able to feel good about going because you’ll know the workers will be getting middle class wages, benefits and fair treatment in the workplace.”
Mayor Bowser said, “One of my top priorities is creating a pathway to the middle class. This agreement ensures that the new soccer stadium benefits working-class families in the District of Columbia, including residents in the Southwest neighborhood, construction workers and hospitality workers. Sustainable economic development means not just creating jobs, but making sure they are good paying jobs. This agreement will help make that a reality and protect the District’s long-term investment in this game-changing project.”
DC United’s Chief Operating Officer Tom Hunt said of the agreement: “For nearly 20 years, DC United has been deeply committed to the District, its residents and our dedicated fans. This agreement is just another example of that commitment and our pledge to build a world-class soccer stadium in the District of Columbia.”
UNITE HERE Local 25 is a highly active labor union which represents over 7,000 hospitality workers in the Washington metropolitan area. Through their collective action, Local 25 members have won living wages, strong benefits, and fair working conditions in their hotels, and are a major force in promoting progressive political change in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
DC United’s history began in 1995 when Major League Soccer awarded a franchise to the Washington, DC, the first franchise awarded by MLS. As of 2013, the club has won four regular season and league championships, more than any other sports franchise in the Washington area. The team has also won three US Open Cup titles and a CONCACAF title.