SoFi Stadium workers are threatening to disrupt the World Cup games being held at the venue in the coming weeks. With just one week before the games begin at the stadium, the union representing over 2,000 workers voted “overwhelmingly” to authorize a strike.
Union leaders “made it clear that the U.S. national team’s opening World Cup match against Paraguay would be an opportune moment” for a strike, according to The Wall Street Journal. The U.S. will play Paraguay on June 12.
The union said in a statement that “workers could walk off the job at any moment if their demands are not met.” Union members have been working without a contract for a year.
“Union members point to the enormous revenues SoFi Stadium, including individual suite packages for more than $100,000, will generate during the World Cup and demand that the frontline workers providing this hospitality service deserve a fair share,” the union said in a statement to ABC 7 News.
What are SoFi Stadium workers demanding?
The stadium workers demand higher compensation, job security, and safeguards against subcontracting and other risks that could lead to a decline in union employment. The union has also requested that FIFA insist that neither the U.S. Border Patrol nor Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) interfere with the World Cup.
“Fans from around the world will come expecting an unforgettable event, and we take pride in making that happen,” union member Yolanda Fierro said in a statement. “But no worker should have to fear being separated from their family or worry about dangerous ICE activity while simply doing their job. We deserve to feel safe, respected, and protected at work.”
In the event of a union strike, the backup plan would reportedly be to hire new employees who would need to undergo the same thorough accreditation processes required by FIFA, along with job training. However, the timing of a strike by the stadium workers could make FIFA’s background-check process difficult to complete before the games begin. FIFA has reportedly refused to comment on the contract negotiations.
“Legends Global has presented progressive wage proposals to Unite Here Local 11 throughout our negotiations and remains confident an agreement is within reach,” the stadium’s food-service operator said in a statement. “While we expect a contract will be finalized in time, a contingency staffing plan is in place to ensure seamless operations and no disruption to fans. We remain committed to delivering an outstanding hospitality experience at the FIFA World Cup matches.”