ATLANTA — The president of the Atlanta City Council has reached out to the NFL with concerns about the employees who report they still haven't been paid for the work they did for Super Bowl LIII events.
Felicia Moore addressed the letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday saying the temporary workers employed by B.E. Staffing Services have not been paid in full. The Atlanta-based staffing firm was authorized by the NFL to hire temporary workers for the event.
"We would like a definitive, immediate response as to when a resolution will be reached," the letter reads.
Earlier this week, community activists and dozens of the employees gathered, demanded accountability from the City of Atlanta and the NFL after the company apparently closed without handing out paychecks to over 200 people.
"These people worked 70 plus hours, standing on their feet 14 hours per day. These represent some of the poorest, hardworking class of individuals," Former Atlanta City Councilman Derrick Boazman said on Tuesday. "They are seniors ... students. People are literally trying to pay their light bills with this money."
Boazmen said it appears the company shut down its offices days after the game was over.
Moore posted the letter she sent to Goodell on her Facebook page, saying her office became aware of a situation within the past week.
"I add my voice to the chorus of unpaid workers, community leaders, and other advocates regarding this issue which places an unnecessary hardship on so many families," the letter said. "To that end, may you please exhaust all measures within your purview to ensure that every worker is compensated fully for the work they performed. We cannot look away until these employees have been made whole."
Two weeks ago, 11Alive reached out to B.E. Staffing Services and spoke with someone claiming to be an employee. That person said there was a misunderstanding in payroll, but could not describe anything about the company. 11Alive also previously reached out to the league about the complaints. Brian McCarthy, vice president of communications for the NFL said they had been in contact with the company, which assured the league the staffers would be fully compensated.
Boazman said the group turned to the Fulton County District Attorney to pursue criminal charges against B.E. Staffing. As of Tuesday, no charges had been filed, yet.
Read Moore's full letter below:
Dear Mr. Goodell,
As President of the Atlanta City Council, I am contacting you regarding an unresolved matter involving working citizens who supported Super Bowl LIII. It has come to my attention that these individuals served as temporary workers employed by BE Staffing Services – a vendor contracted by the National Football League (NFL) to provide services during some Super Bowl events. As of the date of this letter, these employees have not been paid in full for the work they so dutifully performed. Several days have now lapsed since this issue became known to me and the public. We would like a definitive, immediate response as to when a resolution will be reached.
I add my voice to the chorus of unpaid workers, community leaders, and other advocates regarding this issue which places an unnecessary hardship on so many families. To that end, may you please exhaust all measures within your purview to ensure that every worker is compensated fully for the work they performed. We cannot look away until these employees have been made whole.
Please confirm receipt of this communication at your earliest convenience. I may be reached at my office if further discussion is required.
Sincerely,
Felicia A. Moore
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