Employees at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium have decisively voted to authorise a strike, ahead of the FIFA World Cup raising concerns for possible disruptions at one of the World Cup’s biggest venues.
It was supported by 96 per cent of the workers represented by Unite Here Local 11 (a union), who represent approximately 2,000 food and beverage workers at the stadium.
Through this vote, workers will have the power to go on strike anytime while talks with stadium food service operator, Legends Global and FIFA continue.
The union says there have been no real gains in discussions over key issues, such as wages and workplace safety.
Staff are also asking for a commitment that federal immigration officials will not be able to go into the stadium during World Cup games.
More negotiations are to be expected on Monday, just days before the tournament kicks off on June 12.
The multi-purpose stadium opened in 2020 for over $5 billion and will host eight World Cup games and is one of the most significant venues for the tournament.
This union includes stadium staff, cooks, bartenders, dishwashers, and other hospitality roles.
Unite Here co-president Kurt Petersen said a strike would have a significant impact on the services to fans and corporate guests during the tournament.
Another major issue for workers to express concern about is the sharing of personal information with FIFA in the process of accreditation.
Some workers are concerned that their information could be reviewed by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) which has been criticised by human rights organisations.
Even as stadium employees hope to reap huge profits from the World Cup, they are demanding security and fair wages, which they believe they are not getting, said Stadium bartender Cesar Zamora, who said the workers are ready to strike if their issues are not addressed.
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