Survey shows over 50% of Detroit arena workers are living paycheck to paycheck

A recent survey conducted by Wayne State University has shed light on the financial struggles faced by more than half of arena workers in Detroit. The results, published in November, revealed that a significant portion of these workers are living paycheck to paycheck, with nearly a third of them living below the federal poverty line.

The Industry Standards Board of sports arenas, established by the Detroit City Council over a year ago, commissioned the study to investigate workplace conditions and recommend improvements for arena workers. Porcha Peroy, a member of the board and an arena worker herself, expressed empathy with the survey findings. As a housekeeper and union stewardess, Peroy understands the challenges arena workers face, including seasonal job opportunities that require them to piece together multiple gigs to make ends meet while balancing medical expenses, food costs, and transportation needs.

The survey, which was conducted from August to October 2024, included responses from over 300 workers at venues such as Little Caesars Arena, Ford Field, and Comerica Park. Workers in various roles, including stagehands, maintenance staff, cleaning crew, and game day personnel, participated in the survey. While the survey results provide valuable insights into the working conditions of arena employees, it is important to note that they may not fully represent all workers, as certain groups like Ford Field employees and security guards were underrepresented in the study.

Key findings from the survey include:

– Approximately 66% of respondents reported living paycheck to paycheck, while 56% said they live near or below the federal poverty line.
– Hourly wages varied across different roles, ranging from about $14 for game day and cleaning staff to nearly $26 for stagehands.
– A significant percentage of arena workers do not receive employer-provided benefits, with only 12% reporting having paid time off and leave, and 18% having health insurance through their jobs.

Kess Ballentine, an assistant professor at Wayne State University’s School of Social Work and the author of the report, highlighted the poor quality of many arena jobs as revealed by the survey findings. Despite the challenges faced by arena workers, the downtown Detroit area continues to attract tens of thousands of visitors each month, with substantial economic benefits from sports events and other attractions.

In response to the survey results, workers have called for improvements in wages, health insurance coverage, job security, and transportation options. Unlike some industries where employees have a single employer, workers across the three Detroit arenas referenced in the report are employed by at least seven different organizations.

While the report has prompted discussions about potential changes to improve working conditions for arena employees, representatives from Ilitch Sports and Entertainment, which operates Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena, have pointed out the diverse nature of their part-time and seasonal workforce. Ron Colangelo, senior vice president of communications and broadcasting, emphasized the flexible schedules, competitive pay, and team atmosphere that the company offers to its employees.

The Detroit Industry Standards Board for sports arenas is actively engaging with stakeholders to address the concerns raised in the report. E. Joseph Miller, chair of the board and business representative of IATSE Local 38, indicated that discussions on the survey findings will take place during an upcoming meeting on Feb. 19. The board is committed to hearing from all parties involved, including employers, arena executives, and workers, to ensure that meaningful changes are made to improve the well-being of arena workers in Detroit.