SoFi Stadium Workers Threaten Strike During World Cup Over Safety and Wage Demands

Workers at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium are on the verge of a potential strike that could disrupt the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Hundreds of employees began voting Thursday on whether to authorize a work stoppage during the tournament, which kicks off in just one week. Negotiations between the workers' union, Unite Here Local 11, and stadium operator Legends Global have reached an impasse over demands for improved wages and safety measures.

The union represents approximately 2,000 food and beverage concession workers, cooks, servers, and dishwashers at the state-of-the-art venue. SoFi Stadium is slated to host eight World Cup matches, including the tournament's opening match in the United States on June 12 between the host nation and Paraguay. The potential strike looms after weeks of unsuccessful talks with Legends Global, the company managing food services at the $5 billion stadium.

“

We are asking for fair and decent wages for ourselves, because they are going to earn a lot of money with this event.

Key concerns for the workers include demands for assurances that federal immigration enforcement agents (ICE) will not be present during World Cup matches. Many workers, primarily Spanish speakers, fear harassment or detention. They also worry about their personal information being shared with FIFA for accreditation purposes, potentially leading to its disclosure to immigration agencies. The union has not specified the exact actions planned if a strike is authorized and an agreement isn't reached before the World Cup begins.

Beyond safety concerns, workers are pushing for better pay. "We are asking for fair and decent wages for ourselves, because they are going to make a lot of money with this event," said Yolanda Fierro, a suite attendant at the stadium, to AFP. She added, "The other issue is the presence of ICE. I work with people from different countries, mainly Spanish speakers, and we want our colleagues to feel safe, that they won't be harassed or afraid of being detained."

“

The other issue is the presence of ICE. I work with people from different countries, mainly Spanish speakers, and we want our colleagues to feel safe, that they won't be harassed or afraid of being detained.