The Unite Here Local 11 union, representing more than 2,000 concession workers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, has halted contract negotiations and authorized a strike vote. The vote is scheduled over two days, June 11 and 12, exactly one week before the World Cup opening match between the United States and Paraguay at the venue [1, 2].
The labor dispute involves workers handling food, beverage preparation, and service during events at the stadium. The union previously ended negotiations with stadium operator Legends Global on May 26, citing that the company failed to take their concerns seriously. "At midday (on May 26), the workers told the company that we intend to proceed with a strike vote," said Kurt Petersen, union co-president [1].
Union demands include a ban on US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on the stadium grounds during the World Cup, citing employee safety concerns. Government officials countered that ICE agents would only provide security support and not perform immigration enforcement duties [1, 2]. The union also seeks restrictions on subcontractors, protections against automation and AI that might cause job losses, and greater transparency in information-sharing from management.
SoFi Stadium is a central venue for the 2026 World Cup, hosting eight matches in total and serving as home to NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and Chargers. It is also a key site planned for the 2028 Summer Olympics [1, 2].
Legends Global expressed commitment to continued good-faith negotiations. "Legends Global has enjoyed a strong relationship with Unite Here Local 11 for more than a decade and remains committed to reaching a fair agreement through good faith negotiations. We look forward to delivering an outstanding hospitality experience for fans at the FIFA World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium," a company representative said [1].
The World Cup organizing committee declined to comment on how a potential strike might affect matches at the stadium [1, 2].
The strike vote comes as a critical test for event hospitality in a major global sporting event, with workers casting ballots just before the World Cup opens on June 12, 2026.