Council demands union labor

Prince George’s County Council chair Krystal Oriadha insists Sphere must include union labor in National Harbor construction.

“I was clear with you, and everyone else, that we're not doing a project labor agreement.”

Sphere refuses union terms

Sphere executive Richard Constable says the company won't adopt a project labor agreement despite union-friendly practices in Las Vegas and New York.

“We're not going to mandate that our subcontractors change whatever they do in order to force them to have a unionized workforce.”

Bonds for construction

The council considers approving up to $215 million in bonds, $130 million for Sphere construction via tax increment financing.

Construction timeline

Sphere plans site work at National Harbor starting in December 2026 with construction beginning in late 2027.

Union labor stats

Sphere reports 97% of Las Vegas construction workers and 45% of its New York employees are union members.

County concerns

County officials warn a project labor agreement would limit local hiring and hurt minority business enterprise programs.

Community push

Residents urge council to resolve labor issues before approving bonds for Sphere construction.

“Sphere's too important, we need to have Sphere come here.”

Final vote deadline

The council has until September 29 to amend the bond bill before a final vote by late October.

Sphere's stance

Sphere expects unionized workers on-site and multiple unions representing employees after construction begins.