SoFi Stadium Workers Vote to Authorize Strike Days Before World Cup Opener

Workers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, have voted to authorize a strike just days before the venue hosts the U.S. men's soccer team's opening World Cup match.

The potential strike involves approximately 2,000 bartenders, servers, cooks, and dishwashers. While the vote grants them the option to strike, it does not guarantee a work stoppage. The action stems from stalled contract negotiations between the workers, represented by UNITE HERE Local 11, and the stadium's food service provider, Legends Global.

Union member Yolanda Fierro indicated that a strike could occur for the June 12 match against Paraguay if a deal isn't reached. Workers have expressed concerns regarding wages and job security, particularly in light of increased immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed federal authorities would be present for security but not for civil immigration enforcement during the matches.

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What good is the World Cup for Los Angeles when workers don’t earn enough to pay the rent and must choose between showing up and being kidnapped by ICE?

Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11, voiced the workers' frustrations: "What good is the World Cup for Los Angeles when workers don’t earn enough to pay the rent and must choose between showing up and being kidnapped by ICE?" He added, "If we’re forced to strike, those $100,000 FIFA suites will have nothing but bottled water and Doritos."

Legends Global stated its commitment to reaching an agreement through negotiations, highlighting a long-standing relationship with the union. The company aims to "deliver an outstanding hospitality experience for fans at the FIFA World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium."

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If we’re forced to strike, those $100,000 FIFA suites will have nothing but bottled water and Doritos.