SoFi Stadium workers authorize strike days before FIFA World Cup
Thousands of cashiers, cooks and dishwashers could leave their jobs at any time, before the United States against Paraguay game
Thousands of cashiers, dishwashers, cooks, servers, concession workers and food service staff at SoFi Stadium have voted 96% to authorize a strike.
This means that workers could leave their jobs at any time if their demands are not met. Negotiations are scheduled to continue on Monday, before the United States-Paraguay game on June 12.
Workers are demanding a living wage, compensation that reflects the real cost of living in Los Angeles, including a wage premium for the World Cup and other mega events, as well as contributions to a housing fund to build homes for hospitality workers.
They also call for limits on Artificial Intelligence (AI), technology and outsourcing, with strong protections against the erosion of union jobs caused by unrestricted outsourcing and by technology and automation.
Right to Strike if ICE Comes to the Workplace: Workers should have the right to leave their jobs if federal immigration agents enter the stadium and create reasonable fear for their safety; no worker should have to choose between their job and their freedom.
Contract negotiations with Legends Global, the stadium's food service operator, and FIFA have failed to make significant progress on key economic and job security issues.
Cesar Zamora, a five-year SoFi Stadium bartender, said: "I'm a lifelong soccer fan and it's heartbreaking to see that, just days before one of the biggest sporting events in the world, our employer is refusing to provide the wages, protections and contract we need to support our families. The FIFA World Cup will generate huge profits, but we continue to fight for basic respect and safety."
“We deserve better, and if that means going on strike, I’m ready.”
Yolanda Fierro, Suites Runner at SoFi Stadium for six years, said: "I am one of the thousands of workers behind every meal prepared, every drink served and every World Cup attendee experience. Fans from around the world will come expecting an unforgettable event, and we are proud to make it happen. But no worker should have to fear being separated from their family or worry about dangerous ICE operations while simply doing their job. We deserve to feel safe, respected and protected at work. If our voice continues to be ignored, I am willing to go on strike.”
Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11 highlighted that the cooks, bartenders and dishwashers at SoFi Stadium are the true heroes of this World Cup.
"They face the greed of FIFA while defending their community against the intimidation of ICE. What good is the World Cup to Los Angeles if workers don't make enough to pay rent and must choose between going to work or being kidnapped by ICE? If we are forced to go on strike, those $100,000 FIFA suites will have nothing but bottled water and Doritos."
Additionally, the ACLU of Southern California, UNITE HERE Local 11 and LAANE have filed a formal complaint with the California Privacy Protection Agency and the California Department of Justice, urging Attorney General Rob Bonta to investigate FIFA's accreditation process over concerns that workers' sensitive personal information may be shared with federal agencies.
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