SoFi Stadium Workers Authorize Strike Ahead of World Cup Match
Workers at SoFi Stadium voted 96% to authorize a strike amid ongoing contract negotiations with Legends Global and FIFA, raising the possibility of labor disruptions just days before a major international soccer match.
UNITE HERE Local 11, which represents cashiers, concession workers, bartenders, dishwashers, cooks, and food attendants, said employees could walk off the job at any moment if their demands are not met.
Key Demands
The union is pressing for:
- Higher pay
- Job security
- Protections against subcontracting
- Assurances that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol will not conduct immigration enforcement at World Cup games
The U.S. men's national team is scheduled to play Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on June 12. Negotiations are set to continue Monday.
Voices from the Frontline
"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."
— Yolanda Fierro, union member at SoFi Stadium
Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11, told the Associated Press that negotiations have been moving at a "glacial" pace, though an agreement on minimum wage increases for cooks and dishwashers has been reached.
Employer and Official Responses
"We look forward to delivering an outstanding hospitality experience for fans at the FIFA World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium."
— Legends Global, in a statement
LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said a local DHS official told him federal agents would be at the World Cup to ensure security but would not conduct civil immigration enforcement. He noted this policy could change.
"DHS will work with our local and federal partners to secure 2026 FIFA World Cup — in line with federal law and the U.S. Constitution — as we do with every major sporting event to ensure all fans have a safe and unforgettable experience."
— Lauren Bis, DHS Acting Assistant Secretary
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated federal agencies would be present "not for immigration but for terrorist threats." Meanwhile, DHS referred to an ICE social media post stating agents "will play a pivotal role in combating human trafficking as well as stopping counterfeit merchandise and counterfeit ticket sales."
Broader Context
The strike authorization precedes the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins June 11 with 78 matches across the United States. Workers' concerns over ICE presence at the games arise amid the Trump administration's ongoing immigration crackdown.