They're management, we're labor."
Smith was trying to combat the common belief that the unions of athletes do not require or offer the same type of support offered by larger unions of less-income laborers, such as teachers' unions, healthcare worker unions as well as in the case that of UNITE HERE -- the union behind the protest -hospitality, transportation, and Madden 23 coins manufacturing workers across the country. He spoke out in support the UNITE HERE's current public escalation, a six-day fast in the Miami Airport by airline catering workers who have been fighting for fair wages and healthcare for over the past year.
"When we see people like people like the Madden NFL 23PA who stand with us and draw a connection with what the players themselves go through this shows that at the end of it all, we're still taking on the boss," states Diana Hussein, a communications specialist at UNITE HERE.
"This week we'll be attending one of the biggest events in the world," Smith told the crowd. "But behind every flight and party are people who are working hard to provide food for their families' tables. To American, who is shuttling people into Miami for an event like the Super Bowl, shame on you for not paying a living wage."
Miami is an American Airlines hub, and American is among the biggest customers of catering company LSG Sky Chefs, whose employees in the United States are represented in UNITE HERE. That meant Super Bowl week was a perfect opportunity for union members to pressure the airline and cheap madden nfl 23 coins its subcontractor which have been able to skirt recent living wage regulations for Miami airport employees.