SEIU Local 1 arena workers, fellow members, and allies applauded the Detroit City Council’s  passage of a resolution that will enable workers to have a seat at the table to address issues that matter to them. Following the submission of a petition by arena workers, the Detroit City Council established an Industry Standards Board for arena workers at Little Caesars Arena, Ford Field, and Comerica Park.

"With this board, we could address the low wages so I can afford to spend more quality time with my family," said Porcha Perry, an arena worker who does housekeeping for Comerica Park, a team member at Ford Field, and a security officer at City Shield Security Services, "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.”

Detroit’s Industry Standards Board ordinance passed in 2021 and is the first of its kind in the U.S., where 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.

“These workers are our neighbors. They’re a part of our community and 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.”

The Industry Standards Board will 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.