We Demand Labor Peace for Every Major Event

Every major event in South Florida—from global soccer matches to music festivals—relies on us. We serve the food, clean the venues, direct the crowds, and keep the events running smoothly.

Now, the stakes are even higher. Miami will host 32 FIFA World Cup events in 2026, bringing a massive influx of temporary jobs in hospitality, transport, and security. But in a city where many event venues have historically been non-union, we know what’s at risk.

We’ve seen it before—temporary workers exploited, safety ignored, and jobs handed off to low-wage contractors with no accountability. That’s why the South Florida AFL-CIO is fighting to make sure the World Cup uplifts workers, not exploits them.

We’re demanding Labor Peace Agreements to secure union jobs, fair pay, and safe conditions. Because when the world is watching, Miami should stand for justice—not exploitation.

The Problem

Big events bring big money—but without Labor Peace Agreements, they also bring big risks.

In past large-scale events, temporary workers have faced wage theft, unsafe conditions, and retaliation due to inadequate oversight and enforcement. In Miami-Dade, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to draw millions, yet venues like Hard Rock Stadium remain non-union, and many contractors operate without meaningful labor standards.

Without enforceable Labor Peace Agreements, employers can bypass unions, underpay staff, and suppress organizing—all while benefiting from public funding.

In Monroe County, tourism-centered events continue to leave local workers in the margins—often juggling multiple low-wage jobs with little protection or support.

We know how this story ends without action. That’s why we’re organizing to change the outcome.

The Solution

We’re taking bold action to secure Labor Peace Agreements for every major publicly supported event in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties—starting with the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Here’s how we’re doing it:

• Building a labor-community coalition bringing together local unions like IBT 769 and SEIU, as well as community organizations like Catalyst Miami, aligning efforts to ensure unified labor representation in World Cup planning.
• Engaging directly with the Miami-Dade Host Committee to present labor demands and advocate for inclusion in all phases of planning and contracting for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• Building political support by planning meetings with Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, county commissioners, and municipal leaders to sign on to a demands letter directed at Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and FIFA.

Labor Peace means no interference, no retaliation, and no intimidation—just respect, stability, and a voice on the job. These efforts aim to make FIFA 2026 a model for worker-centered development that turns global attention into lasting equity for South Florida’s working families.

Resources

• Our Labor Demands for FIFA World Cup 2026