The possibility of a concession workers’ strike disrupting World Cup activities at SoFi Stadium has been eliminated after union members approved a new labor agreement. On Wednesday, approximately 2,000 members of Unite Here Local 11 voted to ratify a contract negotiated with Legends Global, the company that operates food service at the stadium.
The agreement came after workers authorized a strike late last week, increasing pressure on management as the stadium prepared to host international soccer matches. Under the new contract, employees will receive a 40 percent wage increase along with several additional benefits. These include premium pay for major events, contributions to a housing assistance fund, and expanded workplace protections, including what the union describes as historic safety walkout rights.
Union leaders say the deal represents a major victory for stadium workers. As a result of the agreement, most concession employees will earn more than $40 per hour, making them the highest-paid concession workers in the National Football League. SoFi Stadium hosts its first World Cup match on Friday.
