SoFi Stadium workers authorize strike to throw World Cup into chaos just days before opening USA game in LA

Workers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles have voted to authorize a strike that could throw the upcoming World Cup into chaos. 

The stadium – which usually hosts the NFL’s Rams and Chargers – is due to host eight matches throughout the tournament, including the USA’s opener in just six days.

While workers authorizing the strike doesn’t guarantee they will walk out, it opens the door for 2,000 bartenders, servers, cooks and dishwashers to wreak havoc by not turning up for their shifts.

Contract talks between the union and the stadium’s food service provider have stalled in recent days, with workers now edging closer to strike action. 

The vote comes days before the stadium will host the US team’s opening World Cup match against Paraguay. Union member Yolanda Fierro said that unless a deal is reached workers could go on strike for the June 12 match.

A spokesperson for the USMNT declined to comment on the matter when asked by the Daily Mail, while FIFA is yet to respond.

Workers have voted to authorize strike action, sparking potential chaos for the tournament

Fierro, meanwhile, has said workers are concerned about pay and security on the job amid ramped-up immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration. 

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said this week the US Department of Homeland Security told him federal authorities would be at the matches to assist with security but not civil immigration enforcement.

‘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?’ said Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11. 

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

Legends Global, which handles hospitality at SoFi, said the company has a longstanding relationship with the union and is committed to reaching an agreement through contract negotiations.

‘We look forward to delivering an outstanding hospitality experience for fans at the FIFA World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium,’ the company said in a statement Wednesday.

Petersen said contract talks have been moving at a ‘glacial’ pace. He said Legends has agreed to minimal wage increases for cooks and dishwashers and freezes for some suite attendants and bartenders even as the World Cup is expected to reel in ample revenue. 

The union is also asking Legends for protections from subcontracting and potential federal immigration raids.

SoFi Stadium held the Super Bowl in 2022, and is one of the best stadiums in America

World Cup branding has been placed around the vicinity of the stadium in Inglewood, California

Cesar Zamora, a bartender at the stadium, said he is a lifelong soccer fan and is heartbroken to see his employer not making the needed changes before this major event.

‘The FIFA World Cup will generate enormous profits, but we are still fighting for basic respect and security,’ he said in a statement. ‘We deserve better, and if that means going on strike, I’m ready.’

Community groups in other World Cup host cities such as Atlanta and Miami also have called for a halt on US immigration enforcement during the matches, fearing arrests near stadiums and watch parties could damp the festivities.

The World Cup is expected to draw millions of fans to soccer games played in June and July in 11 US host cities, as well as in Canada and Mexico.