Read the Initial Statement published by the NCP 13 June 2022: English
Read the Final Statement published by the NCP 15 September 2022: English
On 31 March 2022, UNITE HERE Local 11, a trade union, submitted a specific instance to the Swiss NCP alleging that the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), an international governing body of association football, had not observed the General Policies (Chapter II) and Human Rights (Chapter IV) provisions of the Guidelines. Specifically, issues related to an alleged lack of due diligence and stakeholder involvement by FIFA in the possible selection of the Rose Bowl Stadium in Los Angeles, USA as a venue for the Football World Cup 2026. According to the submitting Party, an employer at this stadium operating the concessions and food service operations, does not uphold workers’ freedom of association. The submitting Party further refers to a university study documenting several issues with working conditions including, precarious workforce, scheduling volunteers to operate concession stands, lack of access to an employer-funded pension and enforceable protection against arbitrary termination, health and safety violations, and discrimination against immigrant workers.
On 13 June 2022, the NCP published an initial assessment deciding to accept the case for further consideration. The NCP proceeded to offer mediation to the parties, focusing on FIFA’s due diligence process, including engagement with relevant stakeholders related to the possible selection of the Rose Bowl Stadium.
Following the publication of the initial assessment, on 16 June 2022 FIFA announced that the Rose Bowl Stadium was not selected as a venue for the Football World Cup 2026. Nevertheless, the Swiss NCP facilitated a direct dialogue between the parties to address any remaining issues. The parties additionally engaged on issues bilaterally, ultimately reaching agreement on various issues regarding labour rights and stakeholder consultation related to the FWC2026 and agreed to continue dialogue in the future.
On 15 September 2022, the NCP published a final statement officially concluding the procedure with an agreement reached between the parties outside of the NCP process.