About 2,000 hospitality workers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California have voted to authorize a strike as the venue prepares to host the US men's soccer team's World Cup opening match against Paraguay on June 12. The vote follows stalled contract negotiations with the stadium's food service provider, though it doesn't guarantee workers will walk out.

Union representatives say contract talks have moved at a glacial pace, with Legends Global offering only minimal wage increases for some positions while freezing others. Workers are pressing for better pay, security protections, and safeguards against subcontracting amid heightened immigration enforcement concerns. Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11, questioned how workers can afford rent while facing potential ICE arrests during the tournament.

Federal immigration enforcement at the matches has sparked additional concern among stadium staff. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed that while federal authorities will assist with security for the World Cup, they won't conduct civil immigration enforcement. Still, workers fear raids could disrupt the major international event.

Cesar Zamora, a bartender and lifelong soccer fan, expressed disappointment that his employer hasn't addressed concerns before this profitable event. Community groups in other World Cup host cities including Atlanta and Miami have joined calls to halt immigration enforcement near stadiums and watch parties during the tournament that will draw millions across 11 US cities.

The potential strike highlights tensions between hospitality workers seeking fair wages and security protections while the World Cup generates substantial revenue for venue operators and FIFA.