Labor Unions Support Construction of Soccer Stadium in Flushing Park by MLS

Soccer players and unionized workers during the town hall meeting by the MLS at Queens Theatre. Photo Javier Castaño — Soccer players and unionized workers backing the construction of the new soccer stadium during the town hall meeting by the MLS at Queens Theatre. Photo Javier Castaño

The Hotel Trades Council, Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York and 32BJ SEIU, with a combined membership of more than 200,000, today announced their support for MLS’s proposal to build a world-class soccer stadium in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Leaders from the three unions cited the creation of approximately 2,100 construction-related jobs, 160 full time jobs and 750 part time jobs as their impetus to support the initiative.

“A Major League Soccer stadium in Queens will be good for the working men and women of New York City; it will create good jobs and enhance the park,” said Hector Figueroa, President of 32BJ SEIU. “We are committed to continuing to work with MLS and the community to make sure this is done in a way to benefit the area as a whole.”

MLS has made a commitment to create good jobs that enable working people to support their families. Union leaders and MLS officials have been working together since the outset of the stadium proposal; the unions firmly believe the new stadium will benefit the Queens area.

“Tens of thousands of Queens residents, including many hotel workers and their families, who live in the diverse neighborhoods surrounding Flushing Meadows Corona Park are excited to support a project that will create good jobs for many New Yorkers,” said Peter Ward, President of the Hotel Trades Council.

“The economy in Queens is still hurting. The recession is still taking a toll on middle and lower income families, and it would be a shame for Queens to be shut out of such a tremendous opportunity for good jobs. That’s why we will fight to make sure this project is successful and benefits Queens’ working families,” said Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York.

Once completed, the new stadium will provide good jobs with fair wages and benefits.

The economic benefit to Queens’ working families and local businesses would extend beyond construction. Similar to other markets and projects of this scale, as restaurants, bars and retail establishments see increased businesses they often hire to keep up with their growth.