(Populous/DC United)

Among the many concerns regarding the construction of a new D.C. United stadium at Buzzard Point is that future workers will be treated to fair labor practices.

Yesterday, Mayor Muriel Bowser made a swift agreement with D.C. United and UNITE HERE Local 25—the local union representing hotel and food service workers in D.C.—to ensure that happens (and to ensure workers won’t strike or picket the stadium when it’s completed). According to a release, the labor peace agreement made between Bowser, the team, and Local 25 “provides a fair process for hotel and food service workers” at the site of the stadium and allows workers to join the union to negotiate a first contract.

In a statement, Local 25 Executive Secretary-Treasurer John Boardman says the agreement will provide a way for residents to express their concerns over income inequality and fair wages.

“D.C. residents expect that hotel and restaurant workers should be treated fairly on the job,” Boardman writes. “When you go to a game at the new stadium or stay at the new stadium hotel, you’re going to be able to feel good about going because you’ll know the workers will be getting middle class wages, benefits and fair treatment in the workplace.”

This is, of course, a small step in getting the new D.C. United stadium built. After a long, arduous year of negotiations to approve a bill to build the new stadium, which is a public-private partnership between the city and the D.C. United, the Council gave final approval to build the stadium in December of last year. They hope to open it in 2017.