Protest Against the Olympics
In a striking display of solidarity, a group of protesters dressed in Jedi costumes and Jar Jar Binks masks gathered outside the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, taking a stand for worker rights days before the museum’s official unveiling. The event, organized by the Fair Games Coalition, featured activists blowing horns, banging drums, and chanting, “Sí se puede,” all in view of Exposition Park’s latest addition.
This rally coincided with a private opening event hosted by the museum, drawing attention to the recent resignation of co-founder Mellody Hobson from the LA28 Olympics organizing committee. Jessica Durrum, director of the Fair Games Coalition, articulated the group’s mission: “We launched the campaign with some real, reasonable demands. If the Olympics are coming to town, we want to ensure there are lasting benefits for our communities.”
Demands for Labor Rights
The Fair Games Coalition, comprised of over 80 organizations, is advocating for enhanced labor agreements during major events such as the Super Bowl and the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games. Key unions involved include United Teachers Los Angeles, the National Union of Healthcare Workers, and the United Farm Workers, along with various community groups.
Among their demands, the coalition is calling for employers to provide union jobs with living wages, funding for 50,000 housing units for working families, a moratorium on short-term rentals, and comprehensive protections for immigrant workers.
Gladys Avyla, a cleaner at the W Hotel in Hollywood for 14 years, shared her concern about rising living costs. Recently relocated to Victorville due to escalating rents, she fears that the influx of major sporting events will exacerbate the situation. “Rent is very high, and everything is expensive. We need a wage increase for the Olympics because everything costs so much,” Avyla expressed in Spanish. “We need help for all workers. We’re human beings, but, honestly, we aren’t treated like human beings.”
The fairness of the land deal granted to the museum by the state of California came under scrutiny following a contractor’s lawsuit alleging unpaid work associated with the museum.
Hobson, who co-created the museum alongside George Lucas, stepped down from LA28, reportedly due to the demands of her role at the museum. However, the Fair Games Coalition claims that her resignation was a response to their attempts to engage her in discussions regarding their concerns. The LA28 board, led by Casey Wasserman, has faced criticism amid various controversies.
“That’s how you hide your head in the sand. But we’re not giving up. She still has clout and power in the city of Los Angeles with the Olympic Committee,” stated the Rev. Gary Bernard Williams, a coalition member. He highlighted the disproportionate flow of money during these events, emphasizing the need for workers to receive their fair share.
As Los Angeles prepares to host the Olympic Games, the necessity to protect workers and ensure fair compensation remains a pressing topic. During this year’s World Cup, Unite Here Local 11, representing various service workers, successfully negotiated terms just before the first match. Pastor Bridie Roberts from the union remarked on the importance of the Fair Games Coalition’s backing during negotiations.
“Our members face serious, critical decisions every single day about how to make ends meet while working with some of the biggest tourism companies in the world that will profit in the billions from these games,” Roberts concluded. “We believe the games have the potential to deliver real benefits for working people, but only if we advocate fiercely for them.”
