Stadium and hospitality workers in Houston rally for higher wages and respect ahead of the World Cup, arguing rising product costs haven’t led to better pay.
HOUSTON — More than a dozen stadium, airport and hospitality workers gathered outside Shell Energy Stadium on Houston’s east side Wednesday evening, calling for higher wages and greater respect for workers ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
The demonstration took place shortly before a soccer match at the stadium, with workers and organizers arguing that rising prices for concessions and other goods have not translated into better pay for employees.
“We’re going to be on the world stage in just a few weeks, and we want to make sure the city recognizes and respects these workers, who are living paycheck to paycheck on low wages,” said Franchesca Caraballo, an organizer with UNITE HERE Local 23.
Workers at the rally declined to identify their employers or the contractors they work for. Organizers also emphasized that the demonstration was intended to raise awareness, not disrupt events tied to the World Cup.
“That’s definitely not the plan at all,” Caraballo said when asked whether a strike was possible. “We want to raise awareness. A lot of people don’t even know the struggle of the workers who put on these events.”
Rubie Garza, a part-time stadium worker of 23 years who currently works as a beer vendor, said employees have struggled to keep up with the rising cost of living.
“They’re giving a 10% raise on their products,” Garza said. “How come we can’t get some of that from the product?”
Garza said her hourly wage increased to $10 an hour about two years ago, but she said tips are too inconsistent to make up the difference.
“A lot of times they tell us they don’t give us a raise because we get tips, but we can’t depend on tips because we don’t get them all the time,” she said.
In an emailed statement Wednesday night, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis expressed support for the workers’ concerns.
“Stadium concessions workers deserve fair pay, dignity, and the ability to support themselves and their families without working three or four jobs just to stay afloat,” Ellis said.
Workers at the rally stressed they do not plan to strike during World Cup events, but said wages should rise alongside the increasing cost of everyday expenses.
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