Union workers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood are set to cast ballots this week on whether to authorize a strike, a move that could disrupt operations at the venue just months before it hosts high‑profile matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The workforce, represented by Unite Here Local 11, includes cooks, dishwashers, concession staff, bartenders and servers who say they are seeking not only higher pay but also stronger safety guarantees, particularly protection from immigration enforcement actions and safeguards against subcontracting and automation.
Despite months of talks, negotiations with food‑service operator Legends Global and governing body FIFA have stalled, with the latest offer from Legends Global proposing wage freezes for certain suite attendants and bartenders, a compromise that union leaders have rejected.
Yolanda Fierro, a suites runner at the stadium, voiced personal concern, saying she fears being taken into custody because of how she looks, underscoring the broader anxiety among immigrant workers about workplace security.
World Cup spectacle and its cultural showcase
The upcoming tournament will feature eight matches in Los Angeles, including a June 12 opening fixture where the United States will face Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, a date that also coincides with a concert by pop star Katy Perry.
The World Cup’s opening ceremonies, being staged across three nations — the United States, Canada and Mexico — will showcase a lineup of international stars such as LISA, Rema, Anitta and Future, with Marco Balich overseeing productions that employ 260 to 300 crew members in each city.
Organizers say the event will generate enormous revenue for the host region, a point that union members argue should be reflected in fair compensation and workplace protections.