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SoFi Stadium Workers Authorize Strike Days Before World Cup Opener

The 96% authorization gives UNITE HERE Local 11 leverage to halt service at the June 12 ParaguayU.S. match unless management signs a contract that addresses wages plus immigration-enforcement protections.

Overview

  • UNITE HERE Local 11 members at SoFi voted last week to authorize a strike, with reports saying about 96% supported giving the union the right to walk off before the stadium’s June 12 opener.
  • Workers are pressing for higher pay, stronger safety rules, protections from automation and a written promise to prevent immigration-enforcement actions at the venue.
  • Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has said ICE and other federal agencies will be present for World Cup security, a point that unions and civil-rights groups say heightens the need for binding venue protections.
  • Legends Global, the concessions operator, says it has a contingency staffing plan and is negotiating with the union while warning a walkout would create serious service and reputational problems for Los Angeles and FIFA.
  • UNITE HERE scheduled a major update on talks for Tuesday and the coming days will determine whether a contract is signed to avert a strike or whether workers will exercise the authorization before the match.