October 15th, 2024

FIFA’s choice of Houston to host games follows local officials’ meaningful commitments to labor and community groups

Houston – Today, Gulf Coast worker rights organizations celebrated the selection of Houston to host games for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. With the games set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the local leaders allied with Dignity 2026 – Workers & Communities United for Rights at the World Cup commended the Houston 2026 World Cup Committee on their stakeholder engagement, strong commitments to protect workers and human rights, and plans to work with worker organizations to implement those commitments to work with worker organizations to implement those commitments for 2026.

All 17 cities bidding for 10 slots in the United States were asked by FIFA to submit public human rights plans detailing how each city would minimize negative impacts and maximize opportunities from the games in 2026, including by protecting workers and human rights. After nine months of discussions with the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation, Houston Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council, Workers Defense Project, SEIU Texas, Fe y Justicia, and other organizations, Houston submitted a detailed human rights plan to FIFA outlining their intention for fair wages, targeted local hiring, strong health and safety protections and more.

“We’re proud to host one of the world’s greatest sporting events, and we’re even more excited to see what the World Cup will do for our community with strong labor and human rights standards in place,” said Hany Khalil, Executive Director of the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO. “We in Houston followed FIFA’s direction and made human rights a real priority, and we are thrilled that our strong human rights plan played a significant role in bringing the World Cup to Houston. We look forward to working closely with Houston’s host committee to implement its workers rights commitments to ensure that these games are an economic boon for Houston residents.”

“The Houston bid committee’s process provided meaningful opportunities for labor organizations to identify and prioritize risks for how workers’ rights could be violated during the World Cup and propose mechanisms not just to mitigate these risks but to go beyond and proactively raise workplace standards for future mega-events in Houston,” said Emily Timm, Co-Executive Director of the Workers Defense Action Fund. “We know from our labor partners in other US bid cities that the depth and quality of the Houston bid committee’s engagement on human rights greatly surpassed what our peers saw in those other cities. Our hope is that we serve as a model for other cities who won their bids, especially cities which have not yet prioritized labor protections and benefits for workers and local communities.”

“The great news that Houston will host games in the upcoming World Cup competition is made only better by a strong plan asking FIFA to ensure labor and human rights standards are met during the tournament,” said Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy. “Houston has done this right. We are proud that unions and community allies have played a key role in seeking to make the economic bounty of the World Cup accessible to all communities.”

Houston worker rights groups are local allies of the international coalition Dignity 2026. The coalition of groups has been in contact with FIFA for months regarding the expectation for minimum standards. In December, the groups released an open letter to FIFA demanding the governing body commit to a series of minimum labor and human rights standards and agree to negotiate with national human rights stakeholders. After a breakthrough in stalled talks as reported in The Guardian, Dignity 2026 sat down with FIFA beginning in April. Though talks were promising, FIFA has not set minimum standards, leaving Houston responsible for making up the gaps.

“FIFA has key responsibilities to uphold human rights and lift labor standards, as one of the richest and most powerful non-governmental organizations on the planet,” said Cathy Feingold, Director of the International Department at the AFL-CIO. “We’re glad that FIFA is now in regular talks with our coalition. But FIFA is still far from acknowledging the full extent of its obligation to consult and partner with our national movements, and has not yet committed to respect and support the local communities and workers who will make these games possible. FIFA should require ALL host cities to meet a common set of standards to protect workers and communities in 2026.”

Demands of FIFA have been consistent over the course of the coalition’s correspondence. Groups have repeatedly called for FIFA to commit “to be bound by a detailed set of minimum standards,” including:

  • Fair living wages

  • Strong workplace health and safety protections

  • Targeted local hiring

  • Responsible contractor bid requirements

  • Agreements which give workers a voice & reduce labor conflict

  • Strong investigation and enforcement mechanisms, among other things.

Concerns about FIFA’s approach to labor and human rights issues at the 2026 World Cup are in part based on the track record of human and labor rights abuses alleged at past World Cup events, including but not limited to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Given this history, it is incumbent upon FIFA to establish new standards that demonstrate its intention to correct course and put greater emphasis on human and labor rights at the 2026 World Cup.

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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