By: Maria-Paula
 
Construction workers have sued Balfour Beatty Construction, LLD and C.J. Coakley Co. by filing a class action lawsuit in the federal court. The lawsuit presented to court on March 5, 2024, alleges that workers were not fairly compensated for their labor, raising concerns about worker rights and fair treatment. 

The allegations state that more than 40 workers were not paid for all the hours they worked, were not paid the legally authorized minimum wage in addition to not receiving overtime payment for hours worked over 40 weekly hours as stipulated by law.
 
The worksites in question are an apartment complex under construction at the National Landing in Arlington and an arena, which is part of a 70-acre entertainment district in Alexandria. Both projects are developed by J.B.G. Smith. J.B.G, a lead developer for the proposed Potomac Yards Entertainment District in Alexandria. 
Monumental Sports, the arena owner, aimed for the project to be more than just a sports venue. It is planned to accommodate both the Capitals and Wizards, NBA and NHL teams respectively. Apart from the 20,000-seat area, the ambitious project includes Monumental Sports corporate headquarters, a media studio for the Monumental Sports Network, practice facilities for the teams, a 6,000-seat performing arts center, and an e-sports center. 
The campus, which is located strategically near the new Potomac Yard Metro stop, overlooking the South runway of the Reagan International Airport, will feature new residential units, retail spaces, restaurants, conference facilities, and hotels. It also borders Virginia Tech Innovation Campus. 

As much as the wage theft proceedings highlight the importance of ensuring fair treatment and proper compensation for workers involved in such large-scale projects, it will be crucial to address the raised concerns and uphold workers’ rights while creating a vibrant and multifaceted entertainment hub in the region. 

President of the DC-Metro Building Trades Council, Greg Akerman, said wage theft is widespread in Northern Virginia. 

“The fact that workers are coming forward with these allegations only 2 miles from the proposed Arena Project, at a site that shares its developer, shows why meaningful, binding labor agreements must be in place to protect workers,” said Akerman.
 
As local unions urge legislators to oppose this proposal unless labor agreements are in place to protect vulnerable workers, Virginia legislators are currently weighing options on whether to allow the creation of a Sports and Entertainment Authority for the construction of the Entertainment District in Alexandria.

At the end of it all, concerned parties including local businesses and residents are monitoring the projects progress as they liberate on its economic promises against potential drawbacks not forgetting fair treatment for workers involved in making the project a success.