US News

Studies have shown that where arenas are built, wages for Black workers fall, because retail, service and hospitality workers make less money. Aramark workers at Philadelphia’s football, basketball and baseball stadiums represented by UNITE HERE! Local 274 recently went on strike for four days in an effort to win higher wages and benefits. There is still no agreement on a new contract. (workers.org/2024/10/80990/)

The city’s community impact study predicted 50% of Chinatown businesses will be negatively impacted. Part of the current Fashion District Mall will be removed, meaning hundreds of jobs for Asian, Black, Indigenous and other people of color will be eliminated.

76Place won’t pay local property taxes, and developers want state and federal subsidies. The 76ers arena could cost the city and state $1 billion in lost tax revenue — translating to less money for schools and neighborhoods.

Instead of supporting an arena project that might provide jobs to their members for a short term but would harm the surrounding communities for decades, the construction trades would do better by demanding projects that are sorely needed in the poorest big city in the U.S. — such as new schools, libraries, day-care centers, mass transit, parks and improved infrastructure.

Many workers support the “No Arena in the Heart of our City” movement. Members of the Philly Black Workers Project and National Domestic Workers Association were present and active in the protests at City Hall on Oct 24. Educators, nurses and doctors have also been opposed to the arena and have joined many rallies in solidarity with the struggle to save Chinatown.

Hundreds of workers have signed the “Pro-Union, Pro-Chinatown Workers say NO ARENA IN THE HEART OF OUR CITY!” petition.

Which side are you on? All workers should be on the people’s side and oppose the construction of an arena that would displace the last community of color in Center City. And every council member should be too.

To sign the petition go to: tinyurl.com/3nkvkaax