A workers’ union representing approximately 2,000 food service staff at Los Angeles Stadium has raised concerns with FIFA, urging the international soccer organization to exclude U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from World Cup-related activities. The union, Unite Here Local 11, is advocating for worker protections as the prestigious tournament approaches, highlighting the potential for a strike if their demands are not adequately addressed.
As the World Cup draws near, the absence of a labor contract for these workers has intensified concerns. Unite Here Local 11, which represents a diverse workforce of cooks, servers, and bartenders at the stadium, articulated three primary requests to FIFA and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, the venue’s owner. They are calling for a public commitment that ICE and Border Patrol will not play a role in the tournament, assurances for job security and working conditions, and initiatives to support affordable housing for hospitality workers.
The acting director of ICE, Todd Lyons, has indicated that the agency could have a significant presence during the World Cup, raising worries about worker and guest safety in Los Angeles, according to the union. Additionally, Local 11 is seeking guarantees that artificial intelligence and automation will not be deployed to replace union jobs during the event.
The union’s concerns extend beyond immediate labor issues; they are also addressing the broader implications of rising housing costs in the Los Angeles area, particularly in Inglewood. Their demands include the establishment of a workforce housing fund, regulations on short-term rentals, and tax policies aimed at enhancing affordable housing and protecting immigrant families.
Kurt Petersen, co-president of Local 11, emphasized the disparity between the economic benefits that FIFA and its corporate sponsors will enjoy and the lack of acknowledgment for the essential roles played by the workers who contribute to the event’s success. Despite repeated requests for dialogue with FIFA since Los Angeles was announced as a host city, the union asserts that their efforts have not been met with response.
The venue, commonly known as SoFi Stadium, will temporarily be referred to as Los Angeles Stadium for the World Cup to avoid sponsor conflicts. The stadium is set to host eight World Cup matches, starting with a game between the U.S. and Paraguay on June 12, marking a significant opportunity for both the local community and international fans alike.
The unfolding situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by labor organizations advocating for workers’ rights in major events, underscoring the need for dialogue and support for labor protections in the luxurious and high-stakes world of international sports.
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