Protests Erupt Ahead of Lucas Museum Opening
Days before the opening of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, protesters from the Fair Games Coalition gathered outside. Dressed in Jedi robes and Jar Jar Binks masks, they wielded lightsabers as they rallied against the institution. The demonstrators, focused on better worker protections during major sporting events, filled the air with the sound of horns and drums. Their chants of “Sí se puede” echoed across from the new museum in Exposition Park.
The protest coincided with a private opening party. The Fair Games Coalition aimed to address Mellody Hobson’s recent resignation from the LA28 organizing committee. Jessica Durrum, director of the coalition for the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy, stressed the importance of ensuring lasting benefits for communities as the Olympics approach. The coalition, consisting of over 80 organizations, includes groups like United Teachers Los Angeles and United Farm Workers.
“We launched the campaign with some real, reasonable demands. If the Olympics are coming to town, we want to make sure there are lasting benefits for our communities.” – Jessica Durrum
Ahead of these events, the coalition demands union and living wage jobs, housing for working families, a short-term rental moratorium, and protections for immigrant workers. Gladys Avyla, from Unite Here Local 11, expressed concerns over the rising cost of living. After moving to Victorville due to high L.A. rents, she emphasized the need for wage increases as major events increase work demands.
“Rent is very high, and everything is expensive. It’s hard living here. We need a wage increase for the Olympics because everything costs so much.” – Gladys Avyla
Mellody Hobson, co-founder of the museum with George Lucas, left LA28 recently. The Fair Games Coalition claims her resignation was in response to their request for dialogue. LA28’s board, led by Casey Wasserman, remains under scrutiny for various controversies.
“That’s how you hide your head in the sand. But we’re not giving up. She still has clout and still has a lot of power in the city of Los Angeles with the Olympic Committee.” – Rev. Gary Bernard Williams
Neither LA28 nor the Lucas Museum has responded to requests for comment. During the recent World Cup, workers from Unite Here Local 11 who serve at venues like SoFi Stadium reached a tentative agreement just before the matches began. Pastor Bridie Roberts of Unite Here Local 11 highlighted the coalition’s support as vital during these negotiations.
“Our members face serious, critical decisions every single day about how to make ends meet and they work with some of the biggest tourism companies in the world that will profit in the billions of these games.” – Pastor Bridie Roberts
The coalition continues its efforts to ensure that upcoming events bring tangible benefits to workers.