Key labor unions have thrown their weight against the proposed $2 billion arena in Alexandria, Virginia, dealing a significant blow to the project. The move throws further uncertainty into the fate of the stadium, which would house the Washington Capitals and Wizards.
Union Concerns:
- Low-wage jobs: Unions fear the project will create primarily low-paying jobs, exploiting local workers and contributing to wage theft, particularly among immigrants.
- Lack of labor agreements: Developer JBG Smith and private owners have not agreed to project labor agreements, which would guarantee union involvement and job protections.
- Limited MOU: While some talks with the stadium authority offered some protections, they fell short of the unions' expectations.
Union Leaders Speak Out:
Virginia Diamond, president of the Northern Virginia AFL-CIO, called the project a "bad deal" and urged against public investment that benefits developers over workers.
Other Stakeholders:
- Governor Youngkin: A strong supporter of the project, he criticized the unions for "backtracking" on negotiations and vowed to press forward despite opposition.
- Monumental Sports & Entertainment: The company expressed disappointment at the unions' stance, touting its commitment to using union labor at Capital One Arena.
- Coalition to Stop the Arena at Potomac Yard: This group, already opposed to the project, called for its cancellation in light of the union's decision.
What's Next:
The Virginia Senate bill for the arena remains in limbo. With key labor unions now vocal in their opposition, the project faces an additional hurdle and its future remains uncertain.