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Workers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles have voted to authorise strike action ahead of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup.
The Unite Here Local 11 union, representing about 2,000 food and beverage staff at the venue, said members are demanding improved wages and stronger workplace safety protections, including assurances that federal immigration enforcement agents will not be allowed inside the stadium during matches.
The union said 96 per cent of participating members supported the strike mandate, giving workers the option to down tools at any time as the tournament approaches.
It added that negotiations with stadium concession operator Legends Global and FIFA had made little progress on key pay and safety concerns.
“Contract negotiations with stadium food service operator Legends Global and FIFA have not had significant progress on key economic and workplace safety issues,” the union said in a statement.
Further talks are expected on Monday ahead of the first World Cup match on US soil at SoFi Stadium on June 12.
SoFi Stadium, one of the world’s most expensive sports venues built at a cost exceeding $5 billion, is scheduled to host eight tournament matches.
Union leaders warned that a strike could significantly disrupt services at the venue, including premium hospitality areas.
They also maintained that workers should be allowed to withdraw their labour if US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers enter the stadium during World Cup activities, citing safety concerns.
The union further raised concerns about the handling of workers’ personal data linked to World Cup accreditation, warning that it could potentially be accessed by immigration authorities.
A stadium worker said employees felt under pressure despite the scale of profits expected from the tournament, adding that many were prepared to support industrial action if necessary.
