Ahead of the Detroit Tigers Home Opener, SEIU Local 1 Arena Workers Ratify Strong New Contract Covering 400+ Families
New 3-year agreements guarantee annual raises, increased employer contributions to secure affordable healthcare, additional paid holidays, stronger workload protections, and more.
DETROIT, MI– Over 400 Detroit Tigers arena workers with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1 in Detroit and the surrounding metropolitan area have ratified a strong new three-year contract, marking a major victory powered by worker unity and collective action.
After weeks of negotiations, workers stood together to win meaningful improvements that reflect the value of their labor and raise standards across the industry. This agreement delivers important gains that will support workers and their families, while reinforcing the strength of a united workforce. Arena workers are essential to every game and event, ensuring the stadium is clean, safe, and ready for thousands of fans. This victory not only recognizes their contributions but also demonstrates what is possible when workers come together, speak with one voice, and fight for the respect they deserve on the job and in their communities.
The newly ratified contract includes guaranteed annual raises and a range of improvements such as increased employer contributions toward affordable healthcare, additional paid holidays, enhanced workload protections, and more. These hard-fought improvements recognize the essential role arena workers play in keeping Detroit’s stadium running smoothly for every game, event, and fan experience.
This contract will improve the lives of over 400 working families and ensure that ushers, housekeepers, maintenance staff, grounds crew, and other arena workers can continue providing the high-quality services that make every visit to the ballpark possible. It’s a major step forward that allows arena workers to thrive, not just survive.
The Detroit Tigers Collective Bargaining Agreements guarantees:
Arena workers will receive significant wage increases over the next three years, with raises tailored to job classification and experience.
Increased employer contributions to support more affordable healthcare
Improved longevity pay for many arena workers
Additional paid holidays for eligible workers
Expanded paid time off
“This contract is a major step forward for over 400 arena workers and their families across the Detroit metro area,” said Brandice Mullen, SEIU Local 1 Director of Michigan and Vice President. “These workers are the backbone of every game and event, making sure the ballpark is clean, safe, and ready for fans. This agreement reflects the value of their work, with guaranteed raises, stronger benefits, and critical workplace protections. It ensures that ballpark workers are respected for what they do and have the opportunity to thrive, not just survive, in the communities they serve every day.”
“This contract shows what’s possible when arena workers stand united,” said Stan Sochocki, SEIU Local 1 usher at Comerica Park. “We came together, had each other’s backs, and fought for the respect we deserve. It wasn’t easy, but we stayed strong and made our voices heard. Now we have a contract that reflects our value, with better pay, stronger benefits, and protections on the job. This win proves that when we stand together, we can win real change for our families and our future.”
“The work we do as arena workers is what keeps every game and event running,” said Kathy Soyk, SEIU Local 1 usher at Comerica Park. “We’re there before, during, and after, making sure the space is clean, safe, and ready for thousands of fans. This contract recognizes that work and what it takes to do it day in and day out. With better pay, stronger benefits, and real protections, it means our families can have more stability and security. It’s not just about the job, it’s about making sure the people who take care of the arena can also take care of their families.”