Airborne Banner Above World Cup Match In NJ Advocates For Temp Workers

Tens of thousands of soccer fans have begun pouring into North Jersey after a highly anticipated series of World Cup matches kicked off at MetLife Stadium last weekend. And as they do, an advocacy group wants to give them a message to ponder while they enjoy the games: thank “temp workers” for helping to make the festivities possible.

The tournament's local matches are being played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. On Saturday, a plane trailing a banner that read “FIFA Workers Have Rights!” circled the stadium before the kickoff of the Brazil vs. Morocco match.

Make The Road New Jersey reported that its members were behind the stunt, which directed fans to visit a website about the rights of temporary workers in the Garden State.

Organizers with Make the Road New Jersey said they will be wearing soccer referee shirts and handing out “Yellow Cards” with know-your-rights information for temp workers. The cards let workers know that they are entitled to the same pay as full-time workers in similar roles, partial pay if an assignment is canceled, the full minimum wage and overtime pay, no agency-imposed fees for transportation or check cashing, and protections against retaliation.

The yellow cards also include a QR code to file a wage complaint directly with the New Jersey Labor Department and a hotline to report human trafficking.

According to the group, it is aiming its publicity campaign at the tens of thousands of “temp workers” staffing the games at concession stands, ticketing booths, entry gates and World Cup events throughout the state.

FIFA doesn’t directly control employment conditions, which are governed by host countries, local organizers, stadium authorities and contractors. Many World Cup games will rely heavily on temporary contract workers – many of whom may face sweltering temperatures on the job, The Guardian reported.

In 2023, New Jersey became the first state to pass a “Temp Workers’ Bill of Rights.” Workers are entitled to these protections regardless of their immigration status.

• Related: Governor Signs ‘Bill Of Rights’ For NJ Temp Workers
• Related: New Rights Begin For NJ Temp Workers (See The List)

“There are a lot of predatory employers and temp agencies out there who take advantage of their workers,” charged the group’s director, Nedia Morsy.

“Workers are the ones who make the World Cup possible, and they have real rights here in New Jersey,” Morsy said. “We’re making sure everyone knows their rights and knows how to enforce them.”

• Related: NJ Temp Workers Say Tragic Car Crash Shows Urgent Need For Change

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