Stadium workers near Los Angeles have voted to authorize a strike as the venue prepares to host the U.S. men’s soccer team’s opening match.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that the 2,000 bartenders, servers, cooks and dishwashers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, will leave their jobs. But it gives them the opportunity to do so after contract talks with the stadium’s food supplier stalled.
The vote comes just days before the stadium near Los Angeles hosts the U.S. team’s opening match against Paraguay. Union member Yolanda Fierro said that unless an agreement is reached, workers could strike before the June 12 match.
Fierro said workers are concerned about pay and safety on the job amid increased immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said this week that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security told him that federal authorities would be present at the games to help with security but not with civilian immigration enforcement.
“What good is the World Cup for Los Angeles if workers don’t make enough to pay the rent and have to choose between showing up or being kidnapped by ICE?” said Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11. “If we are forced to strike, those $100,000 FIFA suites will contain nothing but bottled water and Doritos.”
Legends Global, which handles hospitality at SoFi, said the company has a long-standing relationship with the union and is committed to reaching an agreement through contract negotiations.
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“We look forward to providing fans with an excellent hospitality experience during the FIFA World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium,” the company said in a statement on Wednesday.
Petersen said contract talks are moving at a “glacial” pace. He said Legends has agreed to minimal pay increases for cooks and dishwashers and freezes for some suite attendants and bartenders, even though the World Cup is expected to bring in enough revenue. The union is also asking Legends for protection from subcontracting and possible federal immigration raids.
Cesar Zamora, a bartender at the stadium, said he is a lifelong football fan and is heartbroken to see his employer not making the necessary changes before this major event.
“The World Cup will generate huge 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.”
Community groups in other World Cup host cities such as Atlanta and Miami have also called for an end to U.S. immigration enforcement during the matches, fearing arrests near stadiums and viewing parties could dampen the festivities.
The World Cup is expected to draw millions of fans to soccer matches played in June and July in 11 U.S. host cities, as well as in Canada and Mexico.
Published on June 6, 2026
