Workers' protests affecting the experience of fans at the World Cup
Strikes by security and transportation workers have affected several matches in the first week of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
According to the Telegraph, hundreds of security workers at Durban stadium were dispersed by police, who had to turn to using rubber bullets and tear gas once the mob became unruly and refused to vacate the stadium. The newspaper reported that security workers grew angry after picking up their pay envelopes following the match between Germany and Australia. Anger stemmed from the fact that the pay envelopes contained only a fraction of the amount of money that workers had been promised.
The following day saw two more strikes according to Times LIVE. In the report it described how 90 Bus Rapid Transit System drivers decided to hang up their keys. A decision that left fans of both Denmark and the Netherlands in a difficult situation, as thousands of them tried to make their way to Soccer City for the match between the two countries. Officials directed fans on and off various trains to reach the stadium. An American tourist speaking to Times Live said, “the situation is chaotic but fine”.
Monday evening security officials meant to work the Italy vs. Paraguay match walked off before the stadium opened, according the Local Organizing Committee. Sport 24 reported that, “Police have taken over responsibility for the security at Green Point stadium for the match between Italy and Paraguay due to start at 20:30 tonight”. Times LIVE reported, “By 7.30pm in Cape Town, a half hour before kickoff, the stadium was only half full because police officers were taking time to admit fans. Supporters waited in the rain and wind as hundreds of policemen scanned them with metal detectors”.
According to Sport 24, Local Organizing Committee CEO Danny Jordaan deflected the fault and said, “This is an employer-employee wage dispute. Although we have respect for workers' rights, we find it unacceptable for them to disrupt match-day proceedings and will not hesitate to take action”.
According to the Budapest Report, “Authorities have demanded a major investigation, citing corruption as employment policies were allegedly wrong".
For experiences of several fans affected read the article at Times Live