World Cup organizers referee stadium staff pay dispute after police use tear gas at Durban

WCup organizers referee stadium staff pay dispute

JOHANNESBURG — World Cup organizers are meeting with stadium stewards and a security contractor to resolve a pay dispute after police useed tear gas and fired rubber bullets at striking workers following the Germany-Australia match in Durban.

South Africa organizing committee spokesman Rich Mkhondo says the talks are intended to ensure that disputes do not spread to other host cities and stadiums.

Mkhondo said World Cup organizers had a contract with the security company, Stallion, but that “we don’t get involved on what an employer pays their employees.”

The dispute flared at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban early on Monday, three hours after Germany’s 4-0 win.

Disgruntled stewards had tried to stay in the stadium to protest their pay.