SoFi Stadium Workers Reach Tentative Agreement, Averting Strike Before World Cup

Unite Here Local 11 announced Tuesday that its roughly 2,000 members — including cooks, dishwashers, bartenders, and concession workers — had reached a tentative agreement with SoFi Stadium food service operator Legends Global, ending a standoff that threatened to disrupt the FIFA World Cup 2026. The deal, described by union co-president Kurt Petersen as "the strongest agreement at any NFL stadium" economically, includes substantial wage increases: cooks currently earning around $31 an hour will rise to $38–$39 within two years, with many reaching $40 an hour — among the highest wages for the role in the country. The contract runs through April 2028, just ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics, and also includes protections against subcontracting and a contribution toward housing for hospitality workers. A central and novel provision gives workers the contractual right to walk off the job if the union determines in good faith that federal immigration enforcement threatens worker safety during a match — a clause Petersen said exists in no other collective bargaining agreement in the United States. Workers are scheduled to vote on ratification Wednesday, with SoFi Stadium set to host eight World Cup matches beginning Friday. Legends Global said it was pleased with the outcome and looks forward to delivering an outstanding hospitality experience at the games.