SoFi Stadium workers vote to authorize strike days before World Cup opener

About 2,000 food service workers at SoFi Stadium voted to authorize a strike against hospitality provider Legends Global, a move that could upend service at the FIFA World Cup if negotiations fail before the U.S. men's team opens play June 12.

The strike threat lands as Southern California readies for the tournament's biggest matches, with Orange County ticket holders among those who could face disrupted concessions and services at the Inglewood venue.

Bartenders, servers, cooks and dishwashers represented by UNITE HERE Local 11 cast ballots this week authorizing union leaders to call a work stoppage at any time, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. The workers are employed by Legends Global, the company that manages food and beverage operations at the stadium.

Union officials say contract talks with Legends have crept forward at a "glacial" pace. The company offered only minimal wage increases for cooks and dishwashers while proposing wage freezes for some suite attendants and bartenders, the union said.

"What good is the World Cup for Los Angeles when workers don't earn enough to pay the rent and must choose between showing up and being kidnapped by ICE? If we're forced to strike, those $100,000 FIFA suites will have nothing but bottled water and Doritos," said Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11.

Immigration enforcement fears have sharpened the standoff. Workers say they are anxious about potential federal action under the Trump administration's crackdown policies. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed to the Los Angeles County Sheriff that federal agents will be on-site for security purposes — not civil immigration enforcement, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. Community organizations in Atlanta and Miami have similarly urged assurances against immigration enforcement at World Cup venues.

Bartender Cesar Zamora said the stakes are personal. "The FIFA World Cup will generate enormous profits, but we are still fighting for basic respect and security. We deserve better, and if that means going on strike, I'm ready," he said.

Legends Global indicated it remains focused on the fan experience. "We look forward to delivering an outstanding hospitality experience for fans at the FIFA World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium," the company said in a statement.

A strike authorization vote does not guarantee a walkout; talks between UNITE HERE Local 11 and Legends Global are continuing. With the U.S.-Paraguay match set for June 12 at SoFi, both sides have less than a week to reach a deal before the world's eyes turn to Inglewood.