Food service employees at SoFi Stadium are preparing to vote on whether to strike, creating potential disruption just days before the venue is set to host the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, according to a report from The Athletic published Friday.
Unite Here Local 11, which represents more than 2,000 stadium employees, has called off contract talks and approved a strike authorization vote after reaching an impasse with facility management.
The balloting is scheduled for the final days of next week — only seven days before the Inglewood, California venue welcomes the tournament’s first game on June 12, when the United States faces Paraguay.
The affected employees work in food service operations, handling both preparation and service of meals and drinks throughout the facility.
SoFi Stadium, which serves as home field for both the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers NFL teams, will host eight total World Cup games. The facility is also planned to accommodate major competitions during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Contract talks between Legends Global, the stadium’s operating company, and Unite Here Local 11 have broken down following the expiration of their previous labor deal.
Kurt Petersen, who serves as the union’s co-president, informed The Athletic that his organization terminated discussions on Tuesday.
“We felt the company (Legends) were not taking the concerns and demands seriously enough,” Petersen said. “At midday (Tuesday), the workers told the company that we intend to proceed with a strike vote. The vote is scheduled for next week over two days on Thursday and Friday.”
A spokesperson for Legends Global responded to The Athletic regarding the possible work stoppage: “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.”
Officials with the World Cup organizing committee in Los Angeles refused to provide comment about how a potential strike might affect the tournament games planned for SoFi.
According to The Athletic, the union’s requests include:
—Assurance that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will be prohibited from entering stadium property during World Cup events, citing worker safety concerns. Federal authorities have indicated ICE personnel would focus on security rather than immigration enforcement.
—Limitations on the hiring of subcontracted workers.
—Prohibition of automation or artificial intelligence technology that might eliminate union positions.
—Access to workplace data including scheduling information and details about tip and service charge distribution.
“Our members are clear,” Petersen told The Athletic. “They are angry about this. We recognize the World Cup is an extraordinary event but the lack of transparency and movement is raising concerns and this could impact the 2,000 food service workers at the stadium.
“If we were to strike, then FIFA has a significant problem because other workers may not be accredited, which is a whole process for them requiring background checks a while in advance and would not be straightforward to rush through.”
