SEIU Local 1 Releases Statement on the Detroit City Council Unanimous Vote to Approve First-Ever Industry Standards Board

DETROIT, MI-  After SEIU Local 1 members, leaders, and allies provided public comment on the importance of creating an Industry Standards Board for Arena Workers at Little Caesars Arena, Ford Field, and Comerica Park, the Detroit City Council unanimously voted to approve the convening of the first-ever Industry Standards Board.

Passed in 2021, Detroit’s Industry Standards Board ordinance is the first of its kind in the U.S., whereby workers in a common industry can come together to petition and form a tripartite table of workers, employer associations, and government representatives to recommend industry-wide standards.  The Standards Boards benefit the City and its residents and assist the City in providing recommendations for basic health, safety, and additional job standards through a public process driven by workers and their communities.

“Creating this Board would allow me and other arena workers like me to amplify our voices and address concerns we have in the workplace,” said Local 1 Arena Worker Porcha Perry. “As a single mother working 3 jobs, working three jobs has not been easy. I work so much, I’m often missing quality time with my kids. With this Board, we could address the low wages so I can so I can afford to spend more quality time with my family. Many Black and brown and single parent arena workers are experiencing this same issue, as they work multiple jobs to sustain their families. With this Board, we will have a say in decisions about the wages, working conditions and hours we need. Together, we can spark change across all arenas.”

“This is a historic day for not only Arena Workers but working people across Detroit as the first-ever Industry Standards Board gets approved,” said SEIU Local 1 President Genie Kastrup. “The Arena Workers of Detroit – many of whom are Black and Brown – are one step closer to having a seat at the table to advocate for what Detroit’s working families need to thrive – not just survive. The powerful testimonies that we heard from the Local 1 members today is a clear indication that Detroit can and will prosper when working people have a voice on the job. I am proud of the progress being made in Detroit and applaud the Detroit City Council, Local 1 working families, and community leaders who have come together to move Detroit forward.”  

“These workers are our neighbors. They’re a part of our community and they deserve to have their voices heard,” said Local 1 Union Steward Linda Hall. “This Board will give arena workers a real voice to make decisions together with their employers about healthier, safer and more fair workplaces that allow our communities to thrive. It’s important that workers are at the table with employers–being heard about the issues that impact them and how to make them better.” 

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Service Employees International Union Local 1 unites 50,000 workers throughout the Midwest, including janitors, security officers, airport workers, higher education faculty, food service workers, and others. Local 1 is committed to improving the lives of its members and all working people by winning real economic justice and standing at the forefront of the fight for immigrant, racial and environmental justice.