The kickoff of the FIFA World Cup, set for Friday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, is uncertain after 96% of the venue’s staff, around 2,000 employees, opted to strike due to issues regarding pay, working conditions, and worries about ICE officers creating tension among employees.
The labor union Unite Here Local 11 represents concession staff at the stadium, who are engaged in discussions with venue operator Legend Global to meet various demands, with the union considering a strike the only solution.
In a press statement released Friday evening, the union announced: “SoFi Stadium’s cashiers, dishwashers, cooks, bartenders, concession workers, and food workers have voted 96 percent in favor of authorizing a strike, meaning they can leave their jobs at any moment if their needs aren’t fulfilled.”
“Talks are set to resume on Monday before the U.S.-Paraguay match on June 12.”
As part of the negotiations, UNITE HERE Local 11 is insisting that FIFA prohibits any involvement from both U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol at the World Cup.
The union seeks assurances against the application of civilian immigration enforcement.
Previous negotiations wrapped up late last week after several meetings did not lead to a resolution.
SoFi Stadium is slated to host eight matches during the FIFA World Cup, including two of the U.S.’s three group stage matches and three knockout stage games, one of which will be a quarterfinal on July 10th.
The international tournament starts on June 11th and will feature a total of 78 games across the United States.
