SoFi Stadium Workers Vote on Strike Before 8 World Cup Matches as Wage Talks Stall
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 5
SoFi Stadium Workers Vote on Strike Before 8 World Cup Matches as Wage Talks Stall
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 5
Summary
SoFi Stadium workers in Inglewood are voting on strike authorization, with results due Friday just one week before the venue begins hosting 8 World Cup matches on June 12.
Contract talks with food-and-beverage operator Legends Global have stalled, and Unite Here Local 11 says workers want higher pay tied to the stadium’s run of lucrative events including the World Cup, Super Bowl and Olympics.
The union is also demanding stronger safety protections, including that FIFA bar ICE officers from the stadium during the tournament to protect foreign-born workers and international fans.
That push follows a complaint filed last month by the union and the ACLU of Southern California asking Attorney General Rob Bonta to investigate FIFA’s collection of workers’ sensitive personal data and alleged sharing with Homeland Security.
The labor dispute lands as Los Angeles prepares for a global showcase at a venue temporarily renamed Los Angeles Stadium under FIFA branding rules, raising the risk of disruption and added scrutiny over worker treatment.
With billions in World Cup revenue on the line, will Los Angeles workers shut down the games over wages and job security?
Can a union use the World Cup's global stage to challenge federal immigration enforcement and protect worker data privacy?
Strike Threat by 2,000 SoFi Stadium Workers Puts 2026 FIFA World Cup at Risk
Overview
SoFi Stadium workers, represented by Unite Here Local 11, have authorized a strike after stalled contract negotiations with Legends Global, the stadium’s food and beverage subcontractor. This action comes just as the FIFA World Cup approaches, creating an immediate threat to stadium operations. Workers are demanding higher wages to cope with California’s high cost of living and a fair share of revenue from major upcoming events. They are also seeking protections against potential immigration enforcement during the tournament. The unresolved dispute risks disrupting essential services at the World Cup and could set a precedent for future labor relations at major events.