SoFi Stadium Workers in Los Angeles Consider Strike Amid FIFA World Cup Preparations
As the FIFA World Cup prepares to kick off in Los Angeles, workers at SoFi Stadium have signaled a potential strike that could disrupt the event. The workers, essential to the stadium’s operations, are pressing for improved working conditions and job security.
In a recent vote, 96% of the union members represented by UNITE HERE Local 11, including cashiers, bartenders, and cooks, expressed their readiness to strike if their demands are not met. The union emphasized, “Workers could walk off the job at any moment if their demands are not met.”
Their demands focus on higher wages, job security, and safeguards against subcontracting. A significant issue for many is the presence of federal immigration enforcement at the games, particularly amid heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. The union is advocating for the exclusion of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol from World Cup venues, as highlighted in a recent statement.
Yolanda Fierro, a union member working at SoFi, expressed her willingness to strike, stating, “Fans from around the world will come expecting an unforgettable event, and we take pride in making that happen. But no worker should have to fear being separated from their family or worry about dangerous ICE activity while simply doing their job. We deserve to feel safe, respected, and protected at work.”
Negotiations are ongoing between UNITE HERE Local 11, Legends Global (responsible for SoFi Stadium’s hospitality), and FIFA, with discussions set to continue on Monday. The U.S. men’s team is set to face Paraguay at the stadium on June 12.
Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11, described the pace of negotiations as “glacial,” although there has been some progress on wage agreements for certain roles. The Associated Press reported his comments on the matter.
Efforts to secure a comment from FIFA and Legends Global by NPR were unsuccessful. However, Legends Global assured its commitment to providing a top-notch hospitality experience during the World Cup.
LA County Sheriff Robert Luna stated that federal agents would be present for security but would not conduct immigration enforcement. He noted, “Any of that is subject to change, but I have trust that they’re giving me the appropriate information because if that starts occurring, we’re going to have a whole new host of problems.”
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin also clarified in a Fox News interview that the presence of federal agencies is to address threats, not immigration enforcement.
DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis conveyed to NPR that the department aims to ensure a “safe and unforgettable experience” for fans, referring to an ICE social media post emphasizing their role in combating human trafficking and counterfeit activities.
The World Cup will feature 78 matches across the U.S., starting June 11, with an international audience anticipating the event.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
