Los Angeles Stadium Workers In US Threaten Strike Just Days Before World Cup
Los Angeles Stadium Workers In US Threaten Strike Just Days Before World Cup
The strike authorisation vote passed with a 96 percent majority, giving union leadership the authority to call a strike at any moment.
Hospitality workers at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles voted overwhelmingly to authorise a strike, threatening disruptions just days before the FIFA World Cup is set to begin.
The strike authorisation vote passed with a 96 percent majority, giving union leadership the authority to call a strike at any moment.
The move comes right ahead of the tournament, which kicks off its first US match at the stadium on June 12.
The UNITE HERE Local 11 union, representing approximately 2,000 stadium food and beverage workers including cooks, dishwashers, bartenders, and concession servers, said contract negotiations with stadium concessionaire Legends Global and FIFA have stalled over key economic and workplace safety items.
New contract negotiations are scheduled for Monday.
In addition to wage increases, the union is demanding guarantees that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will not be allowed inside the stadium, citing safety concerns for immigrant workers amid an ongoing federal immigration crackdown.
Workers also expressed fear over FIFA’s tournament accreditation process, which requires employees to provide detailed personal data they worry could be turned over to immigration officials.
“The FIFA World Cup will make massive profits, but we are fighting for basic respect and safety,” Cesar Zamora, a stadium bartender, said in a statement.
“We deserve better, and if we need to strike, I will strike.”
SoFi Stadium, completed in 2020 at a cost of over $5 billion, is the most expensive sports venue in the world and is slated to host eight World Cup games.
Kurt Petersen, co-president of the union, warned of empty concession stands if a deal is not reached.
“If we have to strike, those $100,000 FIFA suites will be served bottled water and Doritos,” Petersen said.
