SoFi Stadium Workers Vote to Strike Days Before World Cup

INGLEWOOD– We are less than a week away from the USA Paraguay game kicking off the World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium(SoFi Stadium the rest of the year), Stadium workers near Los Angeles have voted to authorize a strike in a shocking move.

A vote Friday, June 5 by the Unite Here Local 11 union members authorized a strike, which means the games could be played with no cashiers, cooks, bartenders or dishwashers in the stadium.

“No one would get fed. No food, no, any kind of hospitality, no food, no drink, no smiley faces, no good camaraderie,” said Yolanda Fierro, who has worked at SoFi Stadium since 2021 as a suite runner, helping servers get meals to guests in the suites.

“Currently, our biggest issue is the wages that we’re paid. This stadium makes a lot of money. And every employee there in all departments, they do their job well, and they like their job. So we like to be compensated for what we’re doing at this point, to keep coming, take care of our families,” Fierro added.

Another grievance is that ICE agents are scheduled to be present for security. However, employees and fans fear ICE agents will be making arrests at the stadium.

The Department of Homeland Security explained last month it’s offering its personnel to local police departments and federal agencies to provide extra security around the perimeters of games.

ICE officers and agents will not be be checking spectators or employees for immigration status.

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.”

Negotiations between the union and Legends Global, which manages hospitality services at SoFi Stadium, as well as FIFA are scheduled to continue Monday, the union said.

The U.S. men’s team will compete against Paraguay at the stadium on June 12.