A March and Rally for Labor Pool Justice to protest sweatshop conditions at the Camden Yards stadium. This is a multi-ethnic effort bringing together African American, Latino, and white day laborers many of whom are homeless or extremely impoverished due to day labor practices in Baltimore.

When: Sunday April 4th, march begins at 6pm. Rally in front of Camden Yards at 7pm.
Where: Marchers are meeting at Eutaw Center shelter (700 N. Eutaw St.) between 5-6pm. The rally will take place in front of Camden Yards main entrance.
Visuals: The United Workers Association and allies from Casa De Maryland, the Richmond Living Wage Coalition, Homeless Persons Representation Project and community supporters marching with colorful signs, flags. At Camden Yards workers will testify to their experiences working at Camden Yards.

Background

While the Orioles endured a losing season last year, day laborers endured even worse. Cleaning up Camden Yards meant enduring sweatshop conditions:
Workers paid poverty wages.
Workers restricted from taking breaks.
Often workers were not paid for all the time they worked.


The United Workers Association is an organization of low wage and temporary workers who are organizing for better wages and working conditions. Over the last year the UWA has become aware of numerous complaints involving the clean-up of Camden Yards. These problems stem from the Stadium Authority’s outsourcing the clean up of the stadium to a multitude of day labor agencies (including Labor Ready and FM Janitorial Services, Inc.). Approximately 65 day laborers are used to clean the stadium after each home game. Workers are required to wait three hours at Camden Yards to get on the work list. Even after getting the assignment day laborers are made to wait in order to work. This time is not compensated for. Once inside the stadium workers either power wash the seats or pick up the trash around the stadium by hand. No breaks are allowed by the Stadium Authority and Aramark who have outsourced the work. After 9-11 hours on the job (including waiting time) workers are paid between $36-$30.

It has been uncovered that the Stadium Authority has to “clean up” their own house as a result of the recent state audit. There is more work that needs to be done. The UWA is bringing the day labor situation to light with the hope that the same kind of public scrutiny and subsequent action can take place.

Demands

A meeting between the Stadium Authority and the United Workers Association.
Workers assigned to clean up the stadium are paid a living wage.
Workers have a voice on the job with a clear grievance process.

Support

Orioles owner, Peter Angelos, a longtime friend of labor who has represented workers and others for 40 years, has been made aware of the workers cause at Camden Yards. Representatives of Angelos met with the United Workers Association, and agreed to assist the workers in facilitating a meeting with the Authority.


Web address: www.unitedworkers.org