The silent victims

In my second blog, I mentioned the effect this lockout has had on the economy, but I did not get in dept with how the association (The victims, i.e employees) have no word in this lockout and how most of them are really affected by this lockout. These people are “silent victims”. I’m talking about the thousands of Americans making a living from the services this professional sport provides.

Silent victims #1: Arena workers

The NBA host up to 82 games a season (not including the finals), for many of these employees who work on game days – such as security guards, ushers, parking lot attendants janitors and half time entertainers. Usually work minimum wage, 11$ an hour and for most they work part time, these workers depend on this income to pay for bills and provide for their families. And with this lock out, no games + closed arenas = NO MONEY.  According to huffington post Workers at the Staples center in Los Angeles have it way worst than anyone other city. Well for the simple fact that the California stadium is home to two NBA franchises – The Los Angeles Lakers and the L.A Clippers.—

Silent victims #2:  Entertainment workers

It is very obvious that the NBA would not be complete with all the workers in charged for the most important aspects of the game such as lighting, music, camera and photographers. These are all the *small* aspects that keep this business going. And without any of these the game would not be such a unique experience for kids and adults. I remember my first game, I had never seen anything like it, the lights the music and the fans made my first game a blast. Of course the players too but the adrenaline of being in that stadium makes any 14 year old kid hop of his seat with the energy that surrounds the game. As I was saying, like any other arena these workers, entertainers      (most specifically the beautiful cheer leaders) are paid per game. So for them to go more than 2 weeks with every game cancelled..well let’s just say you can really feel that pain in your heart. According to huffington post entertainers would lose up to 500$ per game, while NBA dancers and cheerleaders would lose up to $50-$100 per home game.

This lockout isn’t about the players or the owners; they have enough income to support their families for year. The lockout has affected mostly the workers and the association should consider this as a reason to get the lights back on and the players back on the court. An end to the lockout would not only be good for sport fans, but would benefit thousands of loyal workers associated with the NBA.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/investinganswers/the-nba-lockouts-forgotte_b_1098099.html