HOUSTON — More than a dozen stadium, airport and hospitality workers gathered outside Shell Energy Stadium on Houston's east side Wednesday evening calling for higher wages and greater respect ahead of the upcoming World Cup. The demonstration took place shortly before a soccer match at the venue.

Workers and organizers argued that rising prices for concessions and other goods have not translated into better pay for employees. Those at the rally declined to identify their employers or the contractors they work for, and they stressed they do not plan to strike during World Cup events.

Organizers said the demonstration was intended to raise awareness, not disrupt World Cup events. "We're going to be on the world stage in just a few weeks, and we want to make sure the city recognizes and respects these workers, who are living paycheck to paycheck on low wages." said Franchesca Caraballo, an organizer with UNITE HERE Local 23.

"That's definitely not the plan at all. We want to raise awareness. A lot of people don't even know the struggle of the workers who put on these events." Caraballo said.

Rubie Garza, a part-time stadium worker of 23 years who currently works as a beer vendor, said her hourly wage increased to $10 an hour about two years ago and that tips are too inconsistent to make up the difference in pay. "They're giving a 10% raise on their products. How come we can't get some of that from the product?" Garza said.

Workers said wages should rise alongside the increasing cost of everyday expenses. "A lot of times they tell us they don't give us a raise because we get tips, but we can't depend on tips because we don't get them all the time." Garza said.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis expressed support for the workers' concerns in an emailed statement Wednesday night. "Stadium concessions workers deserve fair pay, dignity, and the ability to support themselves and their families without working three or four jobs just to stay afloat." Ellis said.