The message below was received from the ITUC General-Secretary, Sharan Burrows as she urges all brothers and sisters of the union movement to demand FIFA withdraw its approval to hold the 2022 Soccer World Cup in Qatar. Please read through to have the full details. The message is addressed to FTUC National-Secretary, Felix Anthony..
“Dear Felix,
Slavery. Corruption. Qatar’s got it all.
Abused, provided only poverty pay or denied wages altogether and facing deadly work conditions daily, workers aren’t treated as human beings, but rather as an expendable resource, exploited by the world’s richest country.[1]
The 2022 World Cup has been plagued with controversy since FIFA awarded it to Qatar in 2010, yet the Emir and his government haven’t done anything to improve working conditions.
That’s why I’m writing today and asking you to join me in calling on FIFA to rerun the vote. If, after more than 2 years, Qatar won’t change, then it’s time for FIFA to make sure that wherever the World Cup is held, workers are treated humanely and their rights are honored–and it’s up to us to make it happen.
Tell FIFA to choose a 2022 World Cup venue where workers’ rights are respected. It’s time to
Whether you’re a fan of football, labour rights or both, the Qatar Government is undermining both fair play and fair working conditions:
- The average construction worker in Qatar toils 15 hours, 6 days a week for $8 a day.
- Migrant workers in Qatar can’t change jobs without their employer’s permission. Leaving an employer– even to escape abuse– results in jail or deportation.
- Fatal construction work injuries in Qatar are eight times higher than other rich countries and more people will die building World Cup infrastructure, than players will take to the field.
These are harrowing statistics and only a few examples of the many ways in which migrant workers are treated as modern-day slaves in Qatar. FIFA must act: there’s no time to wait while time runs out for more migrant workers facing danger and death at work today.
Don’t let Qatar shame “the beautiful game.” Stand up for World Cup workers and tell FIFA it’s time to
More than two years on, change has not come to Qatar–jeopardising football’s integrity and shaming the world’s most popular game. The only way to save lives, restore the game’s integrity and the trust of fans is for FIFA to choose a World Cup venue where workers’ rights are respected.
In solidarity,
Sharan
General Secretary
International Trade Union Confederation
P.S. We can’t let Qatar use its wealth to cover up human and labour rights abuses. It’s simple: No World Cup, Without Workers’ Rights. Tell FIFA to ”
