ATLANTA — Former Atlanta City Councilman Derrick Boazman, community activists and dozens of employees who worked during Super Bowl week demanded accountability from the City of Atlanta and the NFL after B.E. Staffing apparently closed without handing out paychecks to over 200 people.
"We are standing in front of Mercedes-Benz Stadium asking for relief ... it's very clear they never intended to pay these folks," Boazman said. "Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms was the face of the Super Bowl. She needs to come see about her citizens."
The advocates and employees also pointed to the Arthur Blank organization for accountability.
"These people worked 70 plus hours, standing on their feet 14 hours per day. These represent some of the poorest, hardworking class of individuals," Boazman said. "They are seniors ... students. People are literally trying to pay their light bills with this money."
The Atlanta-based staffing firm that hired the people, B.E. Staffing Services, was authorized by the NFL to hire temporary workers for the event. Boazmen says B.E. Staffing apparently shut down its offices days after the game was over.
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.
"We have been in contact with that company which has assured us that staffers will be fully compensated," said Brian McCarthy, vice president of communications for the NFL.
Several workers spoke on Tuesday, stating they worked over 100 hours staffing the NFL Super Bowl Experience, a paid event for fans.
Chauncey Cotton said she had reconstructive foot surgery in November and signed up to work for B.E. Staffing after receiving a recruiting email advertising for Super Bowl jobs through B.E. Staffing.
"I was eager to work, to come to find out I was not paid for the work I contributed ... I was standing long hours, long hours, days after my foot surgery," Cotton said. "To not get paid, I'm baffled. I don't know what to say. I just want my money that I deserve and that everyone deserves."
Boazman said that the group has turned to the Fulton County District Attorney to pursue criminal charges against B.E. Staffing. No charges have been filed. When 11Alive's Elwyn Lopez called B.E. Staffing, someone answered the phone. When she asked the person if they were the business owner, they hung up.
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