World Cup Strike Alert: SoFi Stadium Workers Vote Before Kickoff

Los Angeles stadium workers at SoFi Stadium are set to vote on whether to authorize a strike just days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener, as tensions over wages and workplace safety escalate. The vote, conducted by Unite Here Local 11, represents a critical moment for the union and the upcoming international sporting event, which is expected to draw massive crowds and generate significant revenue for the venue.

The workers, including cooks, dishwashers, concession staff, bartenders, and servers, have been locked in stalled negotiations with stadium food service operator Legends Global and FIFA. Unite Here Local 11, which represents over 32,000 hospitality workers in Southern California, alleges that the latest contract proposals from Legends Global include wage freezes for some suite attendants and bartenders, as well as minimal annual raises for kitchen staff. The union argues that the stadium’s projected revenue—driven by luxury suite packages priced above $100,000—demands a more equitable distribution of earnings.

“We know they’re going to make a lot of money during these events,” said Yolanda Fierro, a suite runner and union member, in an interview with The Guardian. “So what we want is a thank-you—gratitude from the company, giving us a good, equitable contract for increasing our wages, so we can survive out here in California because it’s very expensive here in this state.” Fierro highlighted concerns about workplace safety, particularly