Union warns FIFA: respect workers or face strikes at Los Angeles world cup

LOS ANGELES: A union representing about 2,000 food service workers at SoFi Stadium has warned FIFA that workers may strike if their demands are not addressed ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

Unite Here Local 11, which represents cooks, servers, and bartenders at the Inglewood venue, said it is seeking a public commitment that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol will have no role in World Cup operations, protections for union jobs, and support for affordable housing for hospitality workers.

Acting Department of Homeland Security Director Todd Lyons recently stated that ICE would play a “key part” in the tournament, a move the union said threatens the safety of workers and guests.

The union also called for assurances that artificial intelligence and automation would not be used to eliminate union jobs.

Linking labor concerns to housing costs in Inglewood, Local 11 demanded support for a workforce housing fund, restrictions on short-term rentals, and tax measures to protect affordable housing and immigrant families.

“FIFA and its corporate sponsors will pocket billions from Los Angeles while refusing to even acknowledge the cooks, servers, and stand attendants who make this event possible,” said Kurt Petersen, co-president of Local 11.

The union has reportedly sought meetings with FIFA since Los Angeles was selected as a host city but claims it has been ignored. SoFi Stadium is scheduled to host eight World Cup matches, beginning with the US versus Paraguay on June 12.