Making the Games Go
By Susan Ellen Holleran
Salt Lake City
In early February, millions of TV viewers around the world were glued to the XIX Winter Olympics. Yet few appreciated the nuts-and-bolts planning and hard work needed to make the event a success.
Residents celebrated when the International Olympics Committee chose Salt Lake as the site of the 2002 Winter Games. But no one was prouder — or more dedicated to showing off Salt Lake City — than the city workers represented by Local 1004. Managers were lavish in their praise. A supervisor summed it up: "The city employees stepped up to the plate and got things done."
Maintaining security at any large event can be a daunting task. In the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, it became job number one for everyone "working" the Games.
Local 1004 represents the airport police. Officer Paul Stanton and his partner, a Belgian shepherd named Kootsos, were on canine patrol. Kootsos sniffed for explosives in luggage, trash cans and other hiding spots. Officers also monitored airport activities, alert for trouble.
For about two years leading up to the Games, maintenance workers had their hands full installing new wall panels, building counters and storage cabinets, and painting and replacing floors and ceilings. With security in mind, they routinely checked above the ceiling tiles for dangerous objects. Wearing red vests for quick identification, other airport personnel also patrolled the facility answering questions and guiding visitors to baggage claim, food courts and gift shops. The municipal sign shop replaced regular street signs with new materials that sparkle in the dark. Parks workers helped beautify the city and prepare public areas for the parties and performances held throughout the Olympic fortnight.
Office workers were recruited to handle a flood of official paperwork. City support staff spent days helping with registration. Local 1004 Executive Board member Kathleen North worked at the arrest-processing center preparing for an influx of anti-Olympics demonstrators. Blainey Peddie went to Venue Command, the Games’ central registration point.
Workers in the emergency dispatch center wound up on 12-hour shifts, unable to leave the premises for meals. So slow cookers, roasters and other appliances crowded the lunchroom counters, ready to provide home cookin’ and a relaxing environment during breaks.
At the primary water-treatment plant, security cameras were installed. As part of his job, former Local 1004 Chief Steward Mike Miller checked the monitors for activity. The treatment workers were well prepared for their tasks: In recent years, they have expanded their jobs and cross trained to fight off privatization.
If AFSCME members expressed any regret, it was that their long hours kept them from actually participating in — or watching — the many Olympics activities. VCRs were rushed to the rescue, providing a permanent record of Salt Lake City at its best.
